Hero Dad Thwarts Oregon Elementary School Shooting

A father has been hailed as a hero for stopping a teenage gunman at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, on Thursday. Kaylub Giamanco, 36, confronted and killed the 16-year-old shooter, Griffin John II, after the teenager opened fire on the school just before 1 p.m.

Giamanco's mother, Kenda Freeman, told CBS News that her son noticed something was wrong and drove his vehicle onto the grass. He then retrieved his gun and "stalked the gunman back into the school," army crawling through a window that had been shot out by the assailant.

Freeman recounted a phone call from her son immediately after the incident. "He said, 'Mom, I just shot and killed somebody,'" she recalled. Giamanco explained that a man had entered his daughter's school and shot children, and that he had confronted the shooter "point-blank" and killed him.

Griffin John II killed three students and one teacher before Giamanco intervened. The victims were identified as five-year-old Rhoam Summer, two other students, and teacher Meghan Lambert, 25. Seven-year-old Saylor Graham and educational assistant Becky Drury were injured.

Police stated that John fired 15 rounds and specifically targeted a special needs classroom, where he had been a student. The firearm used by John was reportedly purchased by his mother around his 16th birthday. Law enforcement is still investigating how the ammunition was obtained. The motive for the attack remains unknown.

Freeman described her son as having a "genuine heart" and a deep love for his community and family. Despite being called a hero, Giamanco is reportedly traumatized by the event, telling his mother, "I couldn't save them all."

Governor Tina Kotek praised Giamanco's actions, crediting him with preventing further loss of life. Former President Donald Trump also commended Giamanco, stating, "We had a great hero that went in and did the business."

Giamanco, a carpenter and father of two daughters, ages five and 10, who attend Silver Rail Elementary, holds a concealed carry license. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to support Giamanco and his family with therapy, potential legal expenses, and time off work, raising nearly $280,000 by Saturday afternoon.

Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Dr. Steven Cook expressed the community's heartbreak and horror over the "senseless tragedy." He extended gratitude to the school staff and emergency responders for their efforts to protect students during the attack.