Oregon teacher who tackled school shooter speaks out for first time

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 31 Oct, 00:32 · Archive

Cassidy Schutz, who wrestled a shotgun from a teenage gunman at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, has broken her silence about the attack that killed three students and a teacher on 15 October.

Cassidy Schutz, a certified learning specialist at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, has released her first public statement following the school shooting on 15 October that killed three students and a teacher. The 28-year-old tackled the teenage gunman, Griffin J. John, throwing her cellphone at him and wrestling him for control of his shotgun in the special education classroom where the attack occurred.

In a statement released Friday through Bend-La Pine Schools, Schutz described the tragedy as 'horrific and heartbreaking' rather than a story, emphasising that these were the real lives of those involved. She said her thoughts were with those who were lost, their families, those who were hurt, and others present that day.

Schutz reflected on the speed of events, stating: '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.' She asked for privacy as she continues to heal and navigate the 'unimaginable reality' facing the community.

Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz previously credited Schutz with preventing more casualties through her actions during the attack, in which the gunman fired at least 15 shots in the special education classroom.

How it is being reported

• Oregon teacher who wrestled shotgun from school gunman shares emotional message after attackCassidy Schutz, the Silver Rail Elementary teacher who wrestled a gunman's shotgun away from him, has broken her silence on the deadly Bend Oregon shooting.Fox News · 31 Oct, 00:04
• Hero teacher who wrestled Oregon school shooter for gun speaks out for first time: ‘It all happened so fast’Bend-La Pine School District released a heartbreaking statement from Schutz on Friday, in which the teacher asked for privacy as she heals and navigates an “unimaginable reality.”New York Post · 30 Oct, 19:37

In this story: Cassidy Schutz · Griffin J. John · Silver Rail Elementary School · Bend · Oregon · Bend-La Pine School District

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log