Oregon Teacher Recounts Tackling School Shooter
Cassidy Schutz describes the rapid sequence of events during the attack at Silver Rail Elementary School.
A certified learning specialist at Silver Rail Elementary School has spoken for the first time about tackling a teenage gunman who killed four people, describing the incident as happening “so fast.”
Cassidy Schutz engaged with 16-year-old Griffin J. John on October 15 as he carried out a deadly rampage, according to the Bend-La Pine School District. John had already killed three students and a teacher in a special needs classroom before Schutz intervened.
Schutz recounted throwing her cellphone and wrestling with John in an attempt to disarm him of his shotgun. The district released a statement from Schutz on Friday, in which she requested privacy while she copes with the event.
"There are no words to describe the depth of sadness I am feeling following the events of October 15th. This is not a story," Schutz said. "This is a horrific and heartbreaking tragedy, and it is our real lives. 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."
She added, "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."
