Father Who Stopped Oregon School Shooter Was Driving By, Feels 'Guilty' He Couldn't Save More

A father who intervened to stop a 16-year-old gunman at an Oregon elementary school was coincidentally driving past the building when he heard the shots. Kaylub Giamanco, 36, was on his way home for lunch on Thursday when the gunfire erupted at Silver Rail Elementary, where his two daughters are students.

His brother, Kyle, told NBC News that Giamanco, a carpenter, followed the shooter, identified as John J Griffin, into the school. Giamanco, who carries a concealed weapon, entered a special education classroom where the shooting occurred.

Despite being hailed as a hero by Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, Giamanco is grappling with guilt, reportedly feeling he could not save all the victims. "To the community member who heroically intervened to stop further loss of life: Your actions carry a heavy emotional burden, and I just want you to know that my thoughts are with you as well," Kotek stated during a press conference.

The incident resulted in the deaths of four people, including a five-year-old boy named Rhoam Summer. His father, Kelik Summer, expressed his devastation on Facebook, writing, "Today has been the worst day of my life. My son Rhoam was killed in a school shooting. We are broken and lost, but are surrounded by friends and family who are keeping us safe."

Griffin allegedly used a shotgun, believed to have been provided by his mother, to break into the school. He then proceeded to the special education section. In addition to the fatalities, a seven-year-old wheelchair user and a 54-year-old teacher were critically injured and remain hospitalized.

Children were reportedly dressed for photo day at the time of the shooting. Hannah Ferrie, whose two daughters survived the attack, described the trauma experienced by her children. Her seven-year-old daughter, who was forced to hide in silence with her teacher, is now experiencing separation anxiety and fear of sleeping alone. "It’s such a relief, and also a feeling of profound guilt that other parents didn’t get that," Ferrie told The New York Times. She also criticized the national response to school shootings, stating, "This is a systemic problem that the United States exclusively has. It’s because we value Second Amendment rights over children’s lives, and that has to change."

Another witness, who was in his vehicle outside the school, observed Griffin approaching with a weapon and attempted to confront him. The witness's truck sustained multiple bullet holes during the encounter. Photos shared online showed damage to the passenger-side door and truck bed, as well as a shattered rear passenger-side window.