Oregon educator who confronted shooter describes lasting impact of school attack

Cassidy Schutz, a certified learning specialist at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, said the pain of the October 15 shooting will stay with her forever. In a statement released by Bend-La Pine Schools, Schutz described the incident as "a horrific and heartbreaking tragedy" and expressed deep sadness over the loss of four people killed in the attack.

Schutz was identified by the district as the staff member who threw her cellphone at a 16-year-old gunman and wrestled him over his shotgun. Police said an armed community member who followed the shooter into the school fatally shot him during the confrontation.

Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz said Schutz’s actions "almost certainly helped prevent more bloodshed." The shooting occurred in a special-needs classroom and left three boys, ages 5, 8 and 11, and a teacher dead, with another child and teacher wounded. Two of the deceased victims have been publicly identified as Rhoam Summer, 5, and Megan Lambert, 25.

Schutz thanked those affected, saying, "My thoughts are with those who were lost, their families, those who were hurt, and those who were there that day. My heart is with you." The investigation remains ongoing, and officials have not disclosed a motive. Schutz requested privacy in her statement.