BECKY DRURY, a teacher at Silver Rail Elementary in Bend, Oregon, was injured Thursday when a 16‑year‑old gunman opened fire inside her classroom. In a statement released Wednesday, Drury described how she rushed to the door after hearing the disturbance outside, only to find the shooter already inside.
“Once I realized something was happening outside, I ran to see what was going on. I then saw the shooter and immediately ran back into the classroom. I turned to shut the door behind me, but the shooter was already there. Before I could do anything more, he shot me at close range and I fell to the ground,” Drury said.
She added that the bullet severed most of her left hand and badly injured her other arm, leaving her unable to rise or defend anyone else. “So, I did the only thing I could do, which was to pretend to be dead in the hope he would not shoot me again,” she explained.
Police investigation and shooter neutralized
The Bend Police Department confirmed that the firearm used in the attack was purchased legally. Detectives are conducting a “complex investigation,” having served search warrants at the suspect’s home and on his electronic devices and social‑media accounts. The department noted that the work “takes time” and will continue.
According to police, a good Samaritan intervened and neutralized the shooter, ending the immediate threat. The incident left three children and Drury dead, while the community mourns the loss of the other teacher and the injured students.
Community response and school reopening
Bend‑La Pine Schools began welcoming students back to their other campuses on Wednesday. The district highlighted heartfelt artwork and messages of love that appeared throughout the schools, emphasizing that students and staff are surrounded by a caring community.
“What happened in that classroom was unimaginable, and like so many in this community, my heart is broken for everyone affected by this tragedy,” Drury said, adding that her thoughts are with the victims, their families, the school, and the broader Bend community.
Local leaders and faith‑based groups have gathered to pray for the families and to offer counseling services. The incident has reignited discussions about school safety and the importance of rapid response protocols, though officials have stressed that the investigation remains ongoing.
As the community heals, authorities continue to piece together the events leading up to the shooting, while counselors remain on site to support students, staff, and families affected by the tragedy.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
