‘This is what I remember’: Teacher speaks after surviving Oregon elementary school shooting

BEND, Ore. (KPTV/Gray News) - Becky Drury, a teacher who was shot at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend last week, shared a message Wednesday about what she remembers from that day.

“I’d like to share my memories of what happened at Silver Rail Elementary because I want to make sure the events of that day and my actions in particular are reported accurately.

“Here is what I remember: 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.

“Lying on the floor, I saw that my left hand was almost completely severed from the gunshot, and my other arm was also severely injured. I could not get up, defend myself, or protect 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.

“This is what I remember. I know there has been contradictory reporting about my actions that day, but the truth is I was shot before I had any chance to act.

“What happened in that classroom was unimaginable, and like so many in this community, my heart is broken for everyone affected by this tragedy. My thoughts are with those who were hurt, those we lost, their families, our school, and the Bend community. I am truly grateful for the kindness and support we have received as we face the difficult days ahead together.

“We also ask for continued privacy and space as we continue down the long road of recovery.

“Finally, to the media, please utilize trusted voices in our community. Accurate, respectful reporting is a truly important service that will help heal the wounds inflicted by that awful day.”

The shooting occurred last Thursday when police say a 16-year-old former student went into Silver Rail Elementary and fired inside a special needs classroom.

Teacher Megan Lambert, 25, was killed along with students Rhoam Summer, 5, and two other children, ages 8 and 11.

Drury needed surgery on her left arm and right hand, her husband Will Drury said.

A student, 7-year-old Saylor, was also hurt in the shooting. She was given life-saving care at the school and taken to Oregon Health & Science University, police said last week.

Previously, Bend police said Drury had shielded Saylor during the shooting, but Drury’s statement contradicts that information.

A motive for the school shooting currently remains unclear.