Father of Two Students Shot and Killed Oregon School Gunman After Hearing Gunfire, Reports Say

A father of two students at an Oregon elementary school has been identified as the armed community member who fatally shot a teenage gunman during a deadly attack that claimed the lives of three children and a teacher. The man, Kaylub Giamanco, reportedly rushed toward Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend after hearing gunfire, ultimately confronting the shooter inside the building.

The shooting occurred on October 15, 2026, when a 16-year-old suspect, identified by police as Griffin J. John II, entered the school armed with a shotgun. Authorities said the teenager opened fire, killing three children — ages 5, 8 and 11 — and 25-year-old teacher Megan Lambert. A 7-year-old student and another teacher, Becky Drury, were also injured and taken to the hospital.

According to reports from NBC News, CNN and other media outlets, Giamanco was driving nearby when he heard gunshots and saw the armed teenager. His family said he was the father of two girls who attended the school. He reportedly followed the gunman into the building, where he encountered the teenager during the attack and fatally shot him.

Police also praised the actions of a teacher who confronted the shooter. Authorities said she threw her cellphone at him before tackling him and struggling to take control of the firearm. Her intervention, along with Giamanco’s actions, may have prevented further loss of life, according to police officials.

Giamanco’s mother, Kenda Freeman, said her son was not seeking public recognition for what happened. Instead, he wanted to express gratitude to the first responders, school staff and community members who offered support. Freeman also described the emotional toll the incident had taken on her son, saying he was struggling with the knowledge that he had not been able to save everyone.

In comments reported by multiple news organizations, Giamanco expressed regret that more lives could not be saved. His family has asked for privacy as they cope with the aftermath of the tragedy. The incident has left families and the wider Bend community grieving, while investigators continue examining the circumstances surrounding the attack and the teenager’s possible motive.

The shooting has also drawn attention to the courage of school staff and community members who responded in the middle of an unfolding emergency. While their actions may have limited further harm, the loss of four lives has left a deep wound in the school community.

Source: PEOPLE