Teacher injured in Bend school shooting says she pretended to be dead

A teacher injured during Thursday's shooting at Silver Rail Elementary in Bend, Oregon, said she attempted to close the classroom door before feigning death in hopes the gunman would not fire again. Becky Drury recounted that after hearing gunfire she ran toward the classroom, saw the shooter, and tried to shut the door, but was shot at close range and fell to the floor. She said her left hand was nearly severed and her other arm was severely injured, leaving her unable to move or protect others, so she "pretended to be dead in the hope he would not shoot me again." Drury expressed sorrow for the victims and the community, adding that her thoughts are with those hurt and the families of the deceased.

Bend Police confirmed the weapon used was purchased legally and said detectives are conducting a complex investigation, including search warrants at the suspect's home and on his electronic devices and social media accounts. The 16-year-old shooter was neutralized by a good Samaritan, according to police. Bend-La Pine Schools resumed classes at other campuses on Wednesday, and the district noted that artwork and messages of support have been shared with students and staff.

"Here is what I remember: Once I realized something was happening outside, I ran to see what was going on. I then saw the shooter and immediately ran back into the classroom. I turned to shut the door behind me, but the shooter was already there. Before I could do anything more, he shot me at close range and I fell to the ground," Drury said.

"Lying on the floor, I saw that my left hand was almost completely severed from the gunshot, and my other arm was also severely injured. I could not get up, defend myself, or protect anyone else. So, I did the only thing I could do, which was to pretend to be dead in the hope he would not shoot me again," she added.