Congressional District 2 Democrats Slam Cliff Bentz, David Brock Smith for not Commenting on Bend Shooting – After Each Posted a Statement

As Oregon reels from the devastating shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, the 2nd Congressional District Democratic Committee took to Facebook to engage in caustic political attacks. At 11:34AM, the Committee posted this statement:

“Look deeply at this story. Which electeds are speaking out and who is silent?
Silent: Congressman Cliff Bentz, US Senate candidate David Brock Smith
Also interesting to see the tortured word salad from GOP faithful like Breese Iversen [sic] and Drazan.

This is not the first time the Committee has posted political attacks at sensitive moments. In 2025, the Committee mocked the passing of California Congressman Doug LaMalfa, writing that they had hoped he would lose his seat in the November election. In early 2026, the Committee maligned Congressman Cliff Bentz for playing guitar at a bipartisan worship service, describing his faith-based music performance as “serenading” Donald Trump.

Congressman Bentz had in fact posted a statement about the shooting on social media at 11:09AM.

State Senator David Brock Smith, running for US Senator against Democrat Jeff Merkley, posted about the tragedy on October 15 at 2:44PM, sharing the Bend Police Department’s press conference livestream. He released a lengthier statement on October 16 at 11:24AM. 2nd Congressional District Democrats posted the false claim that these political leaders had not released statements about the shooting later in the morning.

2nd Congressional District Democrats referred to Senator Christine Drazan’s statement as “tortured word salad” after she called for violence prevention and increased public safety. Drazan’s statement was posted on Facebook:

My heart is with the students, families, teachers and staff facing an unimaginable tragedy at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend. I am praying for everyone impacted and for the law enforcement officers and first responders who responded so swiftly to this horrific incident.

We have to commit to protecting our kids. We have to put a complete stop to shootings at our schools.

This has to end.

State Rep. Vikki Breese-Iverson of Pineville contributed to a joint statement of the House Republican Caucus. In keeping with their past religion-based criticism of Cliff Bentz, CD2 Democrats mocked Breese-Iverson’s faith-based comments as “tortured word salad” :

“The senseless violence against our children today is heartbreaking. My commitment is to the families, students, and teachers as we learn details of today’s horrific event. I’m grateful to every first responder who stepped in with urgency to protect our community. May the weight of God sit heavy with any soul who justifies this evil deed,” said Rep. Breese Iverson.

The 2nd Congressional District Democrats did not respond to a request for comment.

Editor’s Note

Right Now Oregon, LLC President Alex McHaddad is the Treasurer of Young Republicans of Oregon, who endorsed Cliff Bentz, David Brock Smith, Christine Drazan, and Vikki Breese-Iverson. Right Now Oregon does not endorse political candidates.