Father of students shoots Oregon school gunman as attack unfolds

On Oct. 15, 2026, Kaylub Giamanco, a 36-year-old carpenter and father of two daughters at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, shot and killed the teenage gunman inside the school. Three students ages 5, 8 and 11 and one teacher were killed; a 7-year-old student and a 54-year-old teacher were critically injured. Giamanco was driving home from lunch when he heard gunshots, saw the gunman enter after shooting at locked doors, ran in with a long gun and killed him as police arrived within three minutes of the first 911 call, per the police briefing. NBC News and the New York Post named the gunman John J. Griffin II, 16; police had not released a name in briefings cited by AP. A law enforcement official told AP the shotgun was purchased by the gunman's mother; authorities have not confirmed that, and under Oregon law a minor may possess a shotgun if provided by a parent. Giamanco's family, in a statement also read by his mother Kenda Freeman, said he is not seeking recognition and is grateful to first responders, school personnel and the community. Journalist Joe Moeller reported family members say he is traumatized he could not save more people. Gov. Tina Kotek said his actions carry a heavy emotional burden. President Donald Trump said he took care of business and it would have been much worse otherwise. Parent Brooke Olsen called it miraculous someone stopped further tragedy before law enforcement arrived. The family asked for privacy and no interviews. Memorials of flowers, balloons and stuffed animals were placed outside the school.