January 1, Oregon School Shooting Survivor Reveals Desperate Attempt to Save Lives

Wyatt’s Take

• A brave teacher tried to shut the door and save her students before the unthinkable happened
• Police confirm the gun was purchased legally, focusing attention on the shooter not the firearm
• Community shows strength as students return to class after this heartbreaking attack

A teacher wounded in last week’s Oregon school shooting says she ran back into her classroom and tried to shut the door before the gunman opened fire.

Becky Drury released a statement Wednesday describing how she tried to protect her students before playing dead to avoid being shot again.

“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,” Drury said.

“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,” she added. “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.”

“What happened in that classroom was unimaginable, and like so many in this community, my heart is broken for everyone affected by this tragedy,” Drury continued.

Bend police confirmed the gun used in the attack was purchased legally, shifting focus to the shooter and his actions rather than the weapon itself.

Detectives are still investigating the case, searching the suspect’s home, devices, and social media accounts for answers.

The 16-year-old shooter was stopped by a good Samaritan who put his own life on the line to protect others.

Students returned to other schools in the district Wednesday as the community begins to heal from this terrible loss.

“Heartfelt artwork and messages of love reminded our students and staff that they are surrounded by a community that cares deeply for them,” the school district said.

Wyatt Matters

Heartland families understand that protecting children comes down to personal responsibility and strong communities, not more government rules that leave law-abiding citizens defenseless.