A letter signed by health officials in California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington, asks the CDC to reconsider
California and Washington asked the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in May to validate a new way to test for measles – but after waiting two months, the CDC denied the request, citing “other competing priorities”, according to a letter from the West Coast Health Alliance to CDC director Erica Schwartz.
The letter, signed by health officials in California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington, asks Schwartz to reconsider and validate a rapid, high-volume measles test in preparation for major outbreaks. The alliance also asked the CDC to create protocols to test for other high-priority pathogens to prepare for future outbreaks.
An illegal alien, released into the United States by the Biden administration, was freed from jail by officials in Deschutes County, Oregon, a sanctuary jurisdiction, after having allegedly killed newlyweds 25-year-old William Micah Carter and 24-year-old Jennifer Lynn Lower in December of last year.
A teacher who was injured during last Thursday's school shooting in Bend, Oregon, said she tried to shut a classroom door before pretending to be dead in the hope that the gunman would not target her again.
Becky Drury made the remarks in a statement released to the media on Wednesday, as the Bend Police Department confirmed that the firearm used in the attack on Silver Rail Elementary, which left three children and one teacher dead, was "purchased legally."
"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."
Drury continued, "What happened in that classroom was unimaginable, and like so many in this community, my heart is broken for everyone affected by this tragedy," and her "thoughts are with those who were hurt, those we lost, their families, our school, and the Bend community."
The Bend Police Department said on Wednesday that detectives are continuing a "complex investigation."
"They have served search warrants at the shooting suspect's home, as well as on his electronic devices and his social media accounts on a variety of platforms. That work continues, and it takes time," the department said in a statement.
"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.