Hero teacher who wrestled Oregon school shooter for gun speaks out for first time: ‘It all happened so fast’

An Oregon elementary school teacher has spoken out for the first time since she tackled mass shooter Griffin J. John for his gun — saying the teen’s deadly rampage “happened so fast.”

Cassidy Schutz, a certified learning specialist, threw her cellphone and wrestled John, 16, to try to take his shotgun after he killed three students and a teacher in a special needs classroom at Silver Rail Elementary School on Oct. 15.

Cassidy Schutz, a certified learning specialist at Silver Rail Elementary School, was identified Friday as the staff member who engaged with a shooter. Bend-La Pine Schools

Bend-La Pine School District released a heartbreaking statement from Schutz on Friday, in which the teacher asked for privacy as she heals and navigates an “unimaginable reality.”

“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.

Flowers and candles lie at a makeshift memorial outside Silver Rail Elementary in Bend, Ore. on Oct. 16, 2026, a day after a deadly shooting. AP Photo/Joe Kline
Griffin J. John, 16, appears in a Facebook photo posted Sept. 10, 2026. John was identified as the shooter who killed four people in Bend, Ore. Shauntai NIckerson / Facebook

“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.


Here’s the latest on the elementary school shooting in Oregon:


“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.”

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *