A 16-year-old gunman killed three children and a teacher at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, on Thursday before being fatally shot by a father who pursued him into the building. The assailant, identified as John J Griffin, had previously attended the elementary school, according to law enforcement sources.
Kaylub Giamanco, 36, a carpenter and father of two, was driving by the school on his lunch break when he heard gunshots. He followed Griffin inside and confronted him in a special education classroom, where the attack occurred. Giamanco, who owns a concealed weapon, shot the teenager, ending the rampage. Authorities stated Griffin's mother had purchased the pump-action shotgun he used.
The victims were identified as 5-year-old Rhoam Summer, an 8-year-old, an 11-year-old, and a teacher. A 7-year-old student, who uses a wheelchair and is friends with the Giamanco family, was shot in the face and is recovering from surgery.
Giamanco's brother told NBC News that Kaylub does not consider himself a hero, as he is haunted by the events and feels guilt for not saving more people. "He took care of business, and thank god we had him. Otherwise, it would have been much worse," President Donald Trump commented on the incident Friday, praising Giamanco's actions.
Governor Tina Kotek ordered flags at Oregon public institutions to be flown at half-staff on Friday in remembrance of the victims. The Bend Police Department had completed active threat training in August, just two months prior to the shooting. Police Chief Mike Krantz stated that a significant police presence would remain at the school for several days during the investigation.
Parents and community members gathered at a reunification center established at Journey Church and created makeshift memorials outside the school. U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon expressed heartbreak over the shooting and thanked the first responders and Giamanco for their actions.