Father of Two Rushes Into Oregon Elementary School and Stops Teen Gunman After Deadly Shooting

A father who saw an armed teenager heading toward an elementary school in Oregon rushed into the building and confronted the gunman, bringing a deadly attack to an end. But while his actions may have prevented further bloodshed, the tragedy at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend left three young children and a teacher dead, with another child and a second teacher seriously injured. The shocking incident has devastated the school community and raised painful questions about how the attack unfolded.

The shooting began shortly before 1 p.m. on Thursday, October 15, 2026, when 16-year-old Griffin J. John II approached the school carrying a shotgun. According to police accounts, the teenager first fired at a red pickup truck driven by a man who had spotted him. The driver escaped injury and immediately called 911, providing authorities with an early warning that an armed individual was moving toward the school.

John then made his way to the school building and fired at a locked entrance to force his way inside. Once indoors, he entered a classroom and opened fire. The attack unfolded within minutes, leaving teachers and children in immediate danger as emergency calls began coming in. Police later said the victims were all shot in the same classroom, which included children with special educational needs.

A teacher in the classroom attempted to stop the teenager, throwing a phone at him before physically tackling him and struggling to gain control of the shotgun, authorities said. Her intervention was described by the police chief as heroic. As the struggle continued, Kaylub Giamanco, a 36-year-old carpenter and father of two girls who attend the school, entered the building after seeing the gunman heading inside. He encountered the teacher fighting the attacker and shot John several times, killing him before officers arrived at the classroom.

The human toll was devastating. Three children, aged 5, 8 and 11, were killed, along with 25-year-old teacher Megan Lambert. Another seven-year-old student was critically injured, as was 54-year-old teacher Becky Drury, who suffered gunshot wounds to her arm and hand. Both were taken to hospital for treatment. Lambert’s family later said teaching had been her dream job, adding another layer of heartbreak to a community already struggling to comprehend the loss.

Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz praised the people who acted during the attack, highlighting both the teacher who fought the gunman and Giamanco, who followed him into the school. The chief said their willingness to intervene could have saved lives. Giamanco’s family later confirmed his identity and said he was not seeking public recognition, instead expressing gratitude to the first responders, school staff and community members who had offered support. The family also asked for privacy as they dealt with the aftermath.

Investigators identified John as a Bend resident and a former student at Silver Rail Elementary. Police said he used a 12-gauge shotgun and had approximately 44 rounds remaining when he was killed. Authorities also said the weapon had allegedly been purchased by his mother, although the full circumstances surrounding the firearm and the teenager’s access to it remain part of the investigation. Officials have not established a motive and cautioned that they may never have a complete explanation for why he carried out the attack.

In the hours after the shooting, residents gathered at Drake Park for a candlelight vigil to remember those who died and support the families affected. Classes were canceled as the school community began processing the loss. The tragedy has left parents, educators and residents mourning children whose lives were cut short and a teacher remembered for pursuing the career she loved. While Giamanco’s intervention and the teacher’s bravery drew widespread praise, the focus remains on the victims and the difficult road ahead for their families.

Source: The Sun