Father Who Stopped Oregon School Gunman Praised for Saving Lives

BEND, Ore. — Kaylub Giamanco was near his children’s elementary school when he saw a teenager firing at a pickup truck. Moments later, the 36-year-old carpenter faced a decision that would place him inside a classroom under attack.

Giamanco retrieved his legally owned handgun and followed the shooter into Silver Rail Elementary School on October 15. Police say he fatally shot the attacker while a teacher struggled to wrestle away the teenager’s shotgun, helping prevent an already devastating attack from claiming more lives.

Three boys, ages 5, 8 and 11, and 25-year-old teacher Megan Lambert were killed. A 7-year-old girl and teacher Becky Drury, 54, were wounded. By Friday afternoon, authorities described the girl as being in serious but stable condition and Drury’s injuries as serious but not life-threatening. The youngest child killed was identified as Rhoam Summer.

Giamanco’s two daughters attend Silver Rail. His family told ABC News that he holds a concealed-carry permit. He was passing the school when he witnessed the violence outside and pursued the gunman into the building.

The attack began shortly before 1 p.m. Authorities identified the gunman as Griffin John II, a 16-year-old former student. Investigators say he climbed a fence, fired at a nearby vehicle and used a shotgun to breach the school’s locked entrance before entering a special-education classroom. His motive remained undetermined as investigators searched his home and examined evidence.

Inside, an unidentified teacher confronted him. According to Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz, she threw her cellphone at the attacker, tackled him and fought to take his weapon. Giamanco entered and shot the gunman during that struggle. Police credited both adults with helping prevent further bloodshed. The teacher who fought the attacker was not injured in the confrontation.

Investigators said the gunman still had approximately 44 rounds of ammunition when the attack ended. The discovery underscored the danger confronting everyone inside as the two adults intervened.

For Giamanco, public praise has arrived alongside the emotional consequences of witnessing the killings. His mother told The Times that he was traumatized. The newspaper reported that he had been returning home after lunch when he encountered the gunman. Rather than seek recognition, he and his family have largely avoided the attention surrounding his actions.

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek acknowledged that burden while thanking the civilian who intervened.

“Your actions carry a heavy emotional burden,” Kotek said, adding that her thoughts were with him.

The governor’s remarks recognized that ending an attack does not end its effects on the person who stopped it.

Across Bend, families confronted the aftermath. Students were transported to a nearby church to reunite with parents. Adults arrived carrying familiar stuffed animals and other comforting belongings, then held their children close as they left. Classes, sports and extracurricular activities were canceled Friday across all 32 schools in the Bend-La Pine district.

Flowers and candles accumulated outside Silver Rail as residents mourned the children and Lambert, whose family said teaching had been her dream job. The school community also faced the recovery of two wounded survivors and the trauma carried by witnesses.

Giamanco’s intervention could not undo those losses. But police say his decision to enter the school, together with a teacher’s determination to fight back, helped stop a gunman who remained armed and capable of killing others. Their actions are now part of a grieving community’s account of courage amid catastrophe.