Certified learning specialist Cassidy Schutz has broken her silence more than two weeks after a mass shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon. In a statement released through Bend-La Pine Schools, the educator described the attack as a horrific reality and an irreplaceable loss.
Cassidy Schutz, the educator who confronted a teenage gunman inside a special education classroom, released her first public statement on Friday, October 30, 2026. The deadly shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School on October 15 claimed the lives of three children and 25-year-old teacher Megan Lambert before the 16-year-old gunman was fatally shot.
Police identified the attacker as Griffin J. John II, a 16-year-old former student armed with a 12-gauge shotgun. He threw his weapon over the school fence and climbed after it, briefly opening fire on the driver of a passing truck who verbally confronted him outside, before entering the building.
Schutz was one of several educators inside the special needs classroom when the shooter breached locked glass doors and opened fire.
There are no words to describe the depth of sadness I am feeling following the events of October 15th. This is not a story. This is a horrific and heartbreaking tragedy, and it is our real lives.
Cassidy Schutz, certified learning specialist at Silver Rail Elementary School, via Bend-La Pine Schools
Schutz wrote that her thoughts remain fixed on the victims, their families, and the colleagues who survived the trauma. My heart is with you,
she wrote. It all happened so fast, and I wish with everything in me that we had more time. The pain of this loss I will carry with me forever. There are no words for this unimaginable reality we are facing.
Schutz Struggles With Gunman To Prevent Deaths
Schutz threw her cellphone at the attacker and physically struggled with him to gain control of his Maverick 88 12-gauge pump-action shotgun, according to investigators. Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz detailed these actions of the staff member hailed as a hero for her intervention.
Police stated that Schutz’s intervention almost certainly helped prevent more bloodshed. Kaylub Giamanco witnessed the shooting outside before retrieving a legally owned handgun from his vehicle and following the gunman inside.
One teacher fled the room after believing there might be a second shooter, leaving Schutz in the physical struggle with the gunman, Giamanco later told Oregon Public Broadcasting.
Cassidy Schutz, a learning specialist at Silver Rail Elementary, confronted and grappled with a 16-year-old gunman during the Oct. 15 shooting. https://t.co/22mw6tTuJd
Community Mourns Four Dead And Two Injured
The attack killed teacher Megan Lambert and three boys ages 5, 8, and 11, including 5-year-old Rhoam Summer. Becky Drury suffered serious arm injuries requiring multiple surgeries, while young Saylor Graham was later moved out of intensive care as she continued her recovery.
Donations to support the victims and their families have topped $2 million. Community members gathered near the school, placing flowers, candles, and messages outside the yellow crime-scene tape.
District officials indicated the building would remain closed at least through November 6, 2026.
Schutz asked for time, space, and privacy to recover alongside her colleagues and students.
An Oregon teacher who threw her cellphone at a teenage gunman and wrestled him for control of his shotgun has spoken publicly for the first time.Cassidy Schutz, a learning specialist at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, released a statement more than two weeks after the… pic.twitter.com/Hh3UaY8Ckk
My focus is on these families, our team, our school, and my own healing. As I continue to navigate this, I ask that you please give me the time, space, and privacy I need to heal. I will not be making any additional public statements at this time.
Cassidy Schutz, certified learning specialist, via Bend-La Pine Schools
Prior to her role as a certified learning specialist at Silver Rail, Schutz was hired in June as the girls basketball coach at Summit High School, following previous work as an assistant coach for the Mountain View High School girls basketball team. A native of Northern California who attended Ukiah High School, she previously played college basketball at Linfield University, serving as a team captain during her senior season.
Anyone experiencing emotional distress after violence can call or text 988 for 24/7 crisis support. The Disaster Distress Helpline is also available at 1-800-985-5990 for people affected by disasters or mass violence.
Local investigations into the shooting and the gunman’s motive remain ongoing. Officials have not yet disclosed a motive for the attack.
Cassidy Schutz, who fought the Silver Rail Elementary gunman, has broken her silence about the deadly attack. https://t.co/huAaHbzjob