Tragic Shooting at Bend Elementary School
Authorities have released the identity of the 16-year-old gunman involved in the devastating shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon. They also acknowledged the brave intervention of a nearby father whose swift action helped prevent further tragedy before law enforcement could arrive.
Law enforcement confirmed that the shooter, John J. Griffin II, used a pump-action shotgun purchased by his mother earlier this year. The attack tragically resulted in the deaths of four individuals: three young children, including a five-year-old named Rhoam Summer, along with a schoolteacher. Additionally, two others remain critically injured and are currently hospitalized.
This horrifying incident began around 12:50 p.m. on Thursday when Griffin appeared outside the school.
According to reports from eyewitnesses and police, the teenager initially fired at an unoccupied vehicle parked outside before shattering the glass of a locked entrance door to enter the building.
Once inside, Griffin roamed the hallways, firing into classrooms at random. This led to emergency lockdown protocols being activated and prompted a surge of frantic 911 calls from staff and local residents.
Fortunately, the situation was mitigated by an armed civilian, identified as 36-year-old Kaylub Giamanco. Giamanco, a local carpenter and father of two girls attending Silver Rail, was driving home during his lunch break when he noticed Griffin brandishing a firearm outside the school.
Equipped with a concealed handgun that he was licensed to carry, Giamanco rushed toward the sound of gunfire, following the shooter into the building. He confronted Griffin in a special education room and fatally shot him just before tactical police units arrived.
Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz and other officials confirmed that Griffin succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
While law enforcement praised Giamanco’s bravery for likely preventing further casualties, his family revealed that he is deeply affected by the incident and does not view himself as a hero. Instead, he remains focused on the families mourning their losses during this tragedy.
