Becky Drury, a teacher injured during last Thursday's school shooting in Bend, Oregon, stated she attempted to shut a classroom door before playing dead to avoid being shot again. Drury detailed these events in a statement released to the media on Wednesday. Her account emerged as the Bend Police Department confirmed the firearm used in the attack on Silver Rail Elementary was purchased legally. The incident left three children and one teacher dead.
In her statement, Drury recalled running outside after realizing something was happening, only to see the shooter and immediately return to the classroom. She said she turned to shut the door behind her but found the shooter already present. Before she could act further, the gunman shot her at close range, causing her to fall to the ground. Drury noted that her left hand was almost completely severed by the gunshot and her other arm was severely injured. Because she could not get up, defend herself, or protect others, she pretended to be dead in the hope the shooter would not target her again.
Drury expressed that what happened in the classroom was unimaginable and that her heart is broken for everyone affected by the tragedy. Her thoughts are with those who were hurt, those who were lost, their families, the school, and the Bend community. The Bend Police Department stated on Wednesday that detectives are continuing a complex investigation. Officers have served search warrants at the shooting suspect's home and on his electronic devices and social media accounts across various platforms. The department noted that this work continues and takes time.
Police said the 16-year-old shooter was neutralized by a good Samaritan. Following the shooting at Silver Rail Elementary, Bend-La Pine Schools began welcoming students back to their other schools on Wednesday. The school district reported that heartfelt artwork and messages of love reminded students and staff that they are surrounded by a community that cares deeply for them.