In brief
On 15 October a 16‑year‑old former student opened fire at Silver Rail Elementary, killing five before a parent shot him dead. In a statement, teacher Becky Drury revealed she lay on the floor and pretended to be dead, hoping the gunman would spare her as a second chance. She was severely wounded, with a severed hand and a badly broken arm, and could not intervene to protect the children in the classroom. Her testimony clears up earlier confusion about her actions and adds a personal perspective to the tragedy. Police have yet to disclose the shooter’s motive, but the incident has reignited debates over school safety and gun policy.
On 15 October, a 16‑year‑old former student opened fire at Silver Rail Elementary in Bend, Oregon, killing five people before a parent shot the gunman dead.
In a statement to U.S. media, 54‑year‑old teacher Becky Drury revealed that, when the shooter fired at her, she simply lay on the floor and pretended to be dead, hoping he would not shoot her again.
Drury said she was already badly injured, with a severed hand and a badly wounded arm, and had no chance to defend herself or the other children in the classroom.
Her testimony clarifies earlier reports that she had tried to close the door or protect students; she was shot before she could act.
Police have not yet released the gunman’s motive, but the incident has reignited debate over school safety and gun policy.
