An Oregon elementary school teacher who risked her life confronting an armed teenager during a deadly school shooting has spoken publicly for the first time, describing the attack as a heartbreaking tragedy that she will carry with her forever.

Cassidy Schutz, a certified learning specialist at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, released a statement on October 30, nearly two weeks after the October 15 shooting.

Police credited her actions with helping prevent further bloodshed after she threw her cellphone at the gunman, tackled him and fought to take his shotgun away.

The attack claimed the lives of three children and a teacher, leaving the school community devastated.

Teacher Describes the Horror of That Day

In her first public statement, Schutz expressed deep sadness for everyone affected by the shooting.

“It all happened so fast, and I wish with everything in me that we had more time,” she said.

She also emphasized that the incident was not simply a news story but a devastating real-life tragedy for the families, students and staff involved.

Schutz said her thoughts remained with those who were killed, their families, the injured and everyone who witnessed the attack.

She added that her immediate priorities were supporting the affected school community and focusing on her own recovery.

The full statement was released through Bend-La Pine Schools and reported by ABC News.

How Cassidy Schutz Confronted the Gunman

The shooting occurred on October 15 inside a special-needs classroom at Silver Rail Elementary School.

Police said 16-year-old Griffin J. John II entered the school armed with a shotgun and opened fire.

According to Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz, Schutz threw her cellphone at the attacker before tackling him and struggling to take control of the firearm.

Although she was not injured during the confrontation, the police chief said her actions almost certainly helped prevent additional deaths.

The details of her intervention were initially shared by police without publicly identifying her.

Reuters reported the police account of the teacher’s actions.

Four People Lost Their Lives in the Shooting

The October 15 attack killed three children, aged 5, 8 and 11, and teacher Megan Lambert, 25.

Another seven-year-old student and a 54-year-old teacher were injured and taken to hospital.

The teenage attacker was fatally shot inside the school by Kaylub Giamanco, a father whose children attended the elementary school. Police said he followed the gunman into the building and opened fire while Schutz was struggling with the attacker.

Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz praised both Schutz and Giamanco, describing their actions as courageous and saying they helped prevent further tragedy.

The Associated Press documented the shooting and the actions of those who intervened.

A Community Still Coping With Loss

The shooting has left lasting emotional scars on students, families and school employees.

Memorials and tributes have honored those who died, while the injured continue their recovery.

Schutz said she would carry the pain of the tragedy with her forever. She also requested time, space and privacy while she works through the experience.

She has said she does not intend to make additional public statements at this time.

Oregon Public Broadcasting reported that her message focused on the victims’ families, the school community and the difficult healing process ahead.

Read OPB’s report on Cassidy Schutz’s statement.

A Teacher’s Courage Will Not Be Forgotten

Cassidy Schutz’s actions during the attack have drawn widespread recognition from law enforcement, parents and members of the community.

Her intervention came at an extraordinary moment of danger, when children and colleagues needed protection.

But her own statement makes clear that this is not a story she views as a celebration. It is a tragedy involving lives lost, families devastated and a school community facing a long recovery.

As Bend continues to mourn those killed and support those injured, Schutz’s courage remains an important part of the events of October 15.

Sources: ABC News, Oregon Public Broadcasting, Reuters, Associated Press and Bend-La Pine Schools.