The Bend-La Pine Schools district in Oregon has expressed profound grief over the loss of three young students and a teacher in a mass shooting this week. In a social media post, the district said its "hearts are broken" and praised the courage of the educator and staff member who risked their lives during the attack. The district is "forever grateful" for their bravery.
Among the victims was Megan Lambert, a 25-year-old special education teacher at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend. Lambert had just joined the district this fall for her first teaching job. The district remembered her as a bright light for her students, family, and community, adding that she will be deeply missed.
The district also praised Becky Drury, an inclusion educational assistant who was injured during the attack and is currently recovering. Drury's safety is a concern for the district, which has expressed its gratitude for her bravery. A learning specialist also responded with extraordinary courage during the attack, engaging directly with the shooter and helping to prevent further harm.
The community of Bend, located about 170 miles south of Portland, has been devastated by the shooting. On Saturday, residents gathered near the school to mourn the victims, including a 5-year-old boy and two other children whose families requested their names not be publicly disclosed. A 7-year-old girl and Drury both sustained injuries and are recovering, according to police.
Community members and authorities have commended Kaylub Giamanco, a 36-year-old father of two Silver Rail students, who intervened during the attack. Giamanco, who was on his lunch break, pursued the shooter into the school and fatally shot him.
NTC Report coverage is based on reporting from the original publisher.
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