Oregon teacher who wrestled shotgun from school gunman shares emotional message after attack

Bend Elementary Teacher Breaks Silence After 2023 School Shooting

BEND, Ore. — In a move that has resonated throughout Oregon’s school community, certified learning specialist Cassidy Schutz of Silver Rail Elementary School released her first public statement on Friday, more than two weeks after a 16‑year‑old former student opened fire in a classroom on October 15, killing teacher Megan Lambert and three young students.

Schutz, who was on the scene during the attack, said the tragedy is “a horrific and heartbreaking tragedy, and it is our real lives.” She added, “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. 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.”

The shooting, which took place in a special‑needs classroom, was halted after the assailant was shot dead by Kaylub Giamanco, a 36‑year‑old father who was present at the school. Giamanco was later identified in a police report and has been praised by local officials for his actions. Two other teachers were wounded in the gunfire; Becky Drury was hit in both arms and pretended to be dead to avoid a second shot, while a seven‑year‑old student was also injured but survived.

Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz highlighted Schutz’s role in the confrontation. “She threw her cellphone at the shooter and wrestled him for control of his shotgun during the attack,” he said. “Her quick thinking and bravery helped to protect her students and colleagues.”

Schutz also appealed for privacy as she begins the healing process. “There are no words for this unimaginable reality we are facing. My focus is on these families, our team, our school, and my own healing,” she wrote. “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.”

The shooting claimed the lives of 25‑year‑old teacher Megan Lambert and three children: five‑year‑old Rhoam Summer, an eight‑year‑old, and an eleven‑year‑old. The victims were among the students attending a special‑needs classroom at Silver Rail Elementary, a public school that serves the Bend‑La Pine community.

The 16‑year‑old assailant had attended the school in the past but had since graduated. According to police, he entered the building, fired a shotgun into the classroom, and was immediately confronted by teachers and students. After the shooter was shot by Giamanco, the scene was secured by law enforcement.

In the days that followed, the Bend‑La Pine School District issued statements of condolence and pledged to support the families and staff affected by the tragedy. The district also announced a plan to review security protocols and provide additional counseling services for students and teachers.

Schutz’s statement was posted through Bend‑La Pine Schools’ official channels, making her the first former teacher to publicly address the event. Her words underscore the personal toll such incidents take on educators, many of whom are left to process the loss while continuing to serve their communities.

The incident has reignited conversations across Oregon about school safety, mental health resources, and the regulation of firearms. Local lawmakers and advocacy groups have called for increased funding for school security measures and for broader access to mental health support for students and staff alike.

As the school district moves forward, the community has begun to memorialize those lost. A candlelight vigil was held on the campus grounds on Saturday night, drawing families, students, and local officials. The event was marked by quiet reflection and a commitment to keep the memory of those who died alive in the school’s daily life.

Schutz’s decision to speak out comes as a quiet yet powerful testament to the resilience of teachers who face unimaginable circumstances. While she has requested privacy, her statement offers a candid look at the grief that remains in Bend and the lasting impact of a single day that shattered a classroom’s sense of safety.