Oregon Teacher Shot at Silver Rail Elementary Says She Played Dead: Her Story and What We Know

Updated October 22, 2026

A week after a deadly shooting at an Oregon elementary school, one of the teachers who was shot has finally spoken. Becky Drury, a 54-year-old teacher at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, says she was shot before she had any chance to act, and that she pretended to be dead so the gunman would not shoot her again.

Her statement, released on Wednesday, October 21, answers questions that have hung over the Bend community since the attack. It also corrects an early version of events. Here is what we know so far.

What Happened at Silver Rail Elementary

The shooting took place on Thursday, October 15, 2026, in a special needs classroom at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon. According to police, the gunman was a 16-year-old former student who had once attended the school.

• Police say he first fired at a truck outside the building, then shot at the school’s locked doors to get inside.
• Four people were killed: 25-year-old teacher Megan Lambert and three children, ages 5, 8 and 11. The 5-year-old was Rhoam Summer.
• Two people were injured: teacher Becky Drury and a 7-year-old student.
• Police later clarified that another teacher and another student were in the classroom and got out without physical injuries.

Becky Drury’s Account: “I Did the Only Thing I Could Do”

In her statement, Drury explained that she wanted the events of that day, and her own actions in particular, to be reported accurately.

She said that when she realized something was happening outside her classroom, she ran to see what it was. She spotted the shooter right away and turned to shut the door behind her, but he was already there. In her words, she was shot before she had any chance to act.

Drury was left with severe injuries to both arms and could not get up, defend herself or protect anyone else. So she did the one thing she felt she could do: she pretended to be dead, hoping he would not shoot her again.

She also thanked the people who have supported her and said her heart is broken for everyone affected by the tragedy.

Why Her Statement Changes Part of the Early Story

In the first days after the shooting, Bend police said Drury had shielded the injured 7-year-old student during the attack. Her own account does not match that. She says she never had the chance to shelter any of the children.

That is not a judgment on her. By every account, she was shot almost immediately. What it does show is how quickly details can shift in the first hours after a tragedy, and why it matters to wait for the people who were actually there.

The Teacher Who Fought Back

Police say a different teacher played a critical role. She threw her phone at the attacker, then tackled him and wrestled with him for control of the weapon. Authorities believe her actions likely saved lives.

The attack ended when a 36-year-old man who followed the gunman into the school shot and killed him. Police identified him as Kaylub Giamanco, and reports describe him as a father who rushed in after the gunman.

What Police Have Said About the Weapon and Motive

• The weapon: Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz told the city council that the pump-action shotgun used in the attack was purchased legally.
• The investigation: police describe it as complex. Search warrants have been served on the suspect’s home, his electronic devices and his social media accounts on a number of platforms.
• The motive: still unclear. Investigators say getting answers will take time.

How Is Becky Drury Doing Now?

Her injuries were serious but not life-threatening. Her husband, Will Drury, shared an update saying her condition has improved, but she has a long road ahead.

Where Things Stand in Bend

Schools in the Bend district reopened on Wednesday for the first time since the shooting, but Silver Rail Elementary itself did not. Police say they are working with the district to review safety protocols and operations in local schools.

How to Help or Find Support

The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime has published a resource page for people affected by the October 15 shooting, including crisis counseling, victim compensation, youth support and resources for families and first responders. If you or someone in your family is struggling after news like this, reaching out to a counselor or trusted adult is a good first step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did the Oregon school shooting happen?

At Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, on Thursday, October 15, 2026.

How many people were killed?

Four: a 25-year-old teacher and three children ages 5, 8 and 11.

Who is Becky Drury?

She is a 54-year-old teacher at Silver Rail Elementary who was shot in her special needs classroom. She survived and released a statement on October 21.

Why did Becky Drury say she played dead?

She says she was badly hurt, could not get up or defend anyone, and pretended to be dead hoping the gunman would not shoot her again.

Who stopped the shooter?

Another teacher tackled and wrestled with him, and then a 36-year-old man who followed him into the building shot and killed him, according to police.

What was the motive?

Police have not said. The investigation is still ongoing.

A Community Still Healing

For the families who lost a child and a teacher, no statement or update changes what happened. For the survivors, the road back will be long. What Becky Drury’s words offer is a small piece of clarity from someone who was in the room, and a reminder to treat every detail from a tragedy like this with care.

We will keep this page updated as more information is confirmed.