An Oregon elementary school teacher who fought a teenage gunman during a deadly school shooting earlier this month has broken her silence, describing the tragedy as a loss she will carry with her forever.
Cassidy Schutz, a certified learning specialist at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, released her first public statement Friday through Bend-La Pine Schools, just over two weeks after the Oct. 15 attack left three children and a teacher dead.
“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,” Schutz said in the statement.
“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.”
Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz previously credited Schutz with throwing her cellphone at the shooter and wrestling him for control of his shotgun during the attack.
Schutz also asked for privacy as she continues to heal.
“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 said. “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 unfolded when a 16-year-old former student entered the school and opened fire inside a classroom serving students with special needs, according to police.
Teacher Megan Lambert, 25, and three students, including 5-year-old Rhoam Summer and two other children, ages 8 and 11, were killed.
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Another teacher, Becky Drury, and a 7-year-old girl were wounded but survived.
Drury previously told Fox News Digital she tried to close her classroom door after spotting the gunman but was shot before she could stop him from entering.
She suffered severe injuries to both arms and pretended to be dead to avoid being shot again before hero dad Kaylub Giamanco, 36, shot the attacker dead.