Trump to Honor Father Who Killed Oregon School Shooter

President Donald Trump announced his intention to invite Kaylub Giamanco, a father who fatally shot a gunman at an Oregon elementary school, to the White House to receive a civilian bravery honor. Giamanco, 36, intervened on Thursday at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, after witnessing a shooter enter the building.

Trump called Giamanco "a great hero" and stated he "went in and did the business." "Thank God we had him otherwise it would have been much worse," Trump added. "It’s a terrible thing but thank goodness for a man that had a gun and knew how to use it."

Giamanco, whose two daughters attend Silver Rail Elementary, was driving past the school during his lunch break when he observed the gunman discard a weapon over a wall. Giamanco, who legally carries a concealed .40 caliber pistol, then entered the school.

Authorities reported that the 16-year-old gunman, Griffin J. John II, had already killed three special needs students and their teacher with a shotgun. He had fired 15 bullets and had 44 additional rounds remaining. Giamanco reportedly confronted the shooter, who was being struggled with by a teacher, and fatally shot him.

Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz described Giamanco as "a true hero," commending his "quick-thinking to observe and then follow someone into the school" as actions that "undoubtedly saved lives." Krantz also praised the teacher who grappled with the gunman, noting her willingness "to stand and fight for her children."

The victims included 25-year-old teacher Meghan Lambert and five-year-old Rhoam Summer. Two other children, aged 8 and 11, were also killed. A seven-year-old student in a wheelchair and a 54-year-old teacher, Becky Drury, were injured and are in stable condition.

Lambert's family remembered her as "compassionate with a huge heart" and someone who "always fought for the underdog and those with special needs." Rhoam's aunt described him as loving stuffed animals and being a fearless climber and fast runner.

The gunman, John, had previously been a student in the school's special education program. Police are investigating how he obtained the firearm and ammunition. His mother expressed devastation but declined to confirm if she had purchased the shotgun for his 16th birthday.

Giamanco's mother, Kenda Freeman, stated that her son, a carpenter, is "traumatised" but wishes to express gratitude to first responders and the community. She relayed his words, "Mum, I couldn’t save them all."

This incident marked the 28th mass killing in the U.S. this year. The attack occurred on the school's picture day, a detail that heightened the distress for parents anxiously awaiting reunification with their children. A father of a third-grader at the school described the event as "sickening," highlighting the shared anxiety among parents.