Mother Who Survived 2001 Shooting Comforted Son Via Text During Oregon School Attack

A mother who survived a school shooting in 2001 found herself comforting her son via text message when a gunman stormed classrooms at his Oregon elementary school earlier this week. The woman, known only as Michelle, was able to communicate with her fifth-grade son after 16-year-old Griffin John II attacked Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend on Thursday.

Michelle, who was a freshman at Granite Hills High School in El Cajon, California, when five people were wounded in a 2001 shooting, expressed her shock and disbelief. "I was just in shock. I was like, how can this happen? How can lightning strike twice? How can I go through this and then my children go through this?" she told CNN.

Her son managed to call her from his Apple Watch shortly after the shooting began, saying, "Mom, there's a shooter." Moments later, he texted her, "Shooter at school." In screenshots of their text exchange, Michelle urged him to remain quiet and safe, writing, "Baby I love you don't call anyone please be as quiet as possible. If you can safely, text me, that's OK just don't make any calls. The police are going to help you. I love you so much."

Michell's son was also able to communicate via text that his brother was safe. Thursday's events marked the first time she had revealed her past experience with a school shooting to her two sons. The trauma from the 2001 incident has continued to affect her, leading to panic attacks and a persistent anxiety whenever she dropped her children off at school.

During Thursday's attack, John killed three students and a teacher before he was fatally shot by another man. The victims were identified as five-year-old Rhoam Summer, two other children aged eight and 11, and teacher Meghan Lambert, 25. Saylor Graham, seven, and educational assistant Becky Drury were injured.

Police stated that John fired approximately 15 rounds from a shotgun that his mother had purchased for him around his 16th birthday in August. The investigation into how he obtained ammunition is ongoing. His motive remains unknown. John targeted a special needs classroom where he had previously been a student.

Kaylub Giamanco, 36, a father of two children at the school, reportedly entered the building after spotting John armed with a shotgun. Giamanco intervened when he saw a teacher struggling with the shooter, killing John and likely saving further lives. Police Chief Mike Krantz called Giamanco a "true hero" for his quick actions.

The teacher, Meghan Lambert, reportedly threw her cellphone at the shooter to distract him before grappling with him. Her family described her as "compassionate with a huge heart" and someone who "always fought for the underdog and those with special needs."

The gunman's mother, Shauntai Nickerson, expressed devastation and regret, stating, "I wish I could have done something. I'm so sorry. I miss my boy."

Rhoam Summer, one of the young victims, was remembered by his aunt, Swan Sheridan, as a child who loved animals and was an "fearless climber, fast runner and loved reading."