Central Oregon Strong: Silver Rail hero who wrestled with gunman identified, says: ‘It all happened so fast’

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The teaching assistant who threw a cellphone at the 16-year-old Silver Rail Elementary shooter and tried to take his gun away was identified for the first time Friday and issued a statement saying in part, "It all happened so fast, and I wish with everything in me that we had more time."

Here's Schutz's full statement, issued by Bend-La Pine Schools:

Statement from Silver Rail Learning Specialist Cassidy Schutz 

Bend-La Pine Schools is releasing the following statement from Cassidy Schutz, Certified Learning Specialist at Silver Rail Elementary School. Cassidy is the staff member who engaged directly with the assailant, as described in the October 16 briefing by Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz.  

“There are no words to describe the depth of sadness I am feeling following the events of October 15th. This is not a story. This is a horrific and heartbreaking tragedy, and it is our real lives. My thoughts are with those who were lost, their families, those who were hurt, and those who were there that day. My heart is with you. It all happened so fast, and I wish with everything in me that we had more time. The pain of this loss I will carry with me forever. There are no words for this unimaginable reality we are facing. My focus is on these families, our team, our school, and my own healing. As I continue to navigate this, I ask that you please give me the time, space, and privacy I need to heal. I will not be making any additional public statements at this time.” - Cassidy Schutz

Silver Rail parent Kaylub Giamanco, who fatally shot the gunman as Schutz tried to disarm him, expressed gratitude for her actions in a recent interview with Oregon Public Broadcasting.

"I would love to give her a hug, because that's a real true hero," Giamanco said.