Teaching Assistant: "I Was Shot Before I Had Any Chance to Act." - The Source

Becky Drury, the Silver Rail Elementary School educational assistant who suffered injuries in the October 15 shooting, is opening up about her memories of that fateful afternoon. Drury was one of two people rushed to the hospital immediately following the shooting, suffering gunshots to her left hand and right arm. In a statement Tuesday, Drury’s husband said she was doing well, but had “a long road to recovery.”

(Warning: graphic details to follow.)

Earlier this week, social media posts began to swirl, saying erroneously that Drury put herself in front of a bullet to save one of her students. In her statement Wednesday, Drury cleared up the inaccuracy, sharing how she had little time to react, and, once shot, pretended to be dead so that the assailant would not shoot her again.

Below is Drury’s statement, shared with the Source by a family spokesperson:

“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.”