BEND, Oregon — Police have released new details following a horrific shooting at an Oregon elementary school that left four people dead, praising the extraordinary bravery of a teacher and a passing motorist who intervened to stop the teenage gunman.
The tragedy unfolded on Thursday afternoon at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend. Authorities identified the suspect as 16-year-old Griffin J John II, a former student who had previously attended the facility as part of its special educational needs program. Investigators stated that the teenager specifically targeted a special educational needs classroom during the rampage.
According to law enforcement officials, the young attacker arrived at the campus on foot and began firing shots in the parking area before shattering a window to gain entry to the building. Inside the targeted classroom, the gunman discharged approximately 15 rounds of ammunition, leaving three children and one teacher dead.
During the chaotic assault, one of the educators inside demonstrated immense courage. Police reported that the teacher hurled her mobile phone at the intruder before physically tackling him and attempting to disarm him of his shotgun. Investigators noted that this close-quarters struggle on the classroom floor was instrumental in preventing further casualties, as the suspect was still carrying roughly 44 additional rounds of ammunition when he was stopped.
As the physical confrontation unfolded, a bystander who was driving past the school rushed inside to assist. The armed individual, identified by family members to media outlets as 36-year-old carpenter Kaylub Giamanco, had been heading home after lunch when he witnessed the suspect shooting into the building. Grabbing his legally owned concealed pistol from his vehicle, the father of two daughters enrolled at the school ran inside and fired multiple shots at the gunman, killing him.
Police Chief Mike Krantz publicly thanked both the teacher and the armed bystander during a Friday news conference, emphasizing that their swift actions undoubtedly saved numerous lives. Authorities confirmed that the teacher who wrestled the suspect escaped without serious injury.
Police formally identified two of the victims as five-year-old Rhoam Summer and 25-year-old teacher Meghan Lambert. The families of the two other deceased students, aged eight and eleven, requested privacy and have not yet authorized the release of their names. Two additional victims sustained injuries during the attack and received hospital treatment, including a 54-year-old teacher and a seven-year-old student listed in serious but stable condition.
Relatives of the intervening father shared that he was deeply shaken by the experience, recounting the immediate emotional toll of the incident. National leaders also acknowledged the high-stakes intervention, with the White House and state officials expressing gratitude for the efforts taken to halt the violence.
Investigators are continuing to examine the suspect's background, recent movements, and potential motives for the attack. A search warrant was executed at the teenager's residence as the inquiry moves forward.
Reporting based on coverage first published by BBC News. Read the original report at BBC News.
