An Oregon teacher threw her phone, tackled a 16-year-old gunman, and wrestled for his shotgun before a bystander father burst in and shot the suspect dead. The chaotic scene unfolded at Silver Rail Elementary in Bend, where three children and a teacher lost their lives.
The attack targeted a special educational needs classroom. Police confirmed the suspect, identified as Griffin J. John II, was a former student at the school. He arrived on foot, armed with a shotgun and roughly 44 extra rounds of ammunition.
Heroic intervention
Police describe a desperate struggle on the classroom floor. The teacher, who was not injured, reportedly tried to wrestle the weapon away from the teen. As they tussled, a man ran into the building. He was armed with a .40-caliber pistol and opened fire, killing the suspect.
That man is Kaylub Giamanco, a 36-year-old carpenter and father of two girls at the school. According to his family, he had just finished lunch and was driving past when he saw the suspect firing at a car in the parking lot. He then watched the teen shoot through a window to enter the building. Giamanco grabbed his legally concealed pistol and went in after him.
Victims identified
Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz held a news conference on Friday to share details. He identified two of the four victims: five-year-old Rhoam Summer and 25-year-old teacher Meghan Lambert. The families of an eight-year-old and an 11-year-old student chose not to release their names publicly at this time.
Two others survived the attack. A 54-year-old teacher remains in the hospital, and a seven-year-old student is in serious but stable condition. Krantz praised the teacher and Giamanco, stating their actions “almost certainly helped prevent more bloodshed.” He noted that the suspect fired as many as 15 rounds inside the classroom.
Political reactions
President Donald Trump praised the bystander on Friday, calling him a “great hero.” Speaking at the White House, Trump said the situation could have been “much worse” without the intervention. “It’s a terrible thing, but thank goodness for a man that had a gun and knew how to use it,” he said.
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek also acknowledged the father’s role in stopping further loss of life. She noted that such actions “carry a heavy emotional burden” and expressed her thoughts for the family. Giamanco’s family released a statement saying he is a lifelong resident of Bend who is “not seeking recognition.” They asked for privacy and expressed gratitude to first responders and the community.
Police are still investigating how the suspect acquired the firearm and his exact movements leading up to the attack. A search warrant was executed at his home, and investigators are working to determine a motive. The community in Bend remains in shock as they process the tragedy.
Source: BBC World
This article was compiled by the IndiaBBCNews editorial system from verified international news sources. Facts have been independently reviewed. Original reporting: BBC World.
