Story perspectives

Concealed-Carry Holder Kills Bend Gunman, Gov Thanks

By Drooid · Oct 16, 2026, 10:00 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Giamanco Stops Shooter

Kaylub Giamanco, a 36-year-old concealed-carry permit holder, shot and killed the 16-year-old gunman at Silver Rail Elementary in Bend, Oregon.
John Griffin used a pump-action shotgun that his mother purchased.
The attack killed three children ages 5, 8 and 11 and one teacher.
A 7-year-old student and a 54-year-old teacher were critically injured.
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek publicly thanked Giamanco for stopping further loss of life.

Summary

Community Supports Victim

All Bend-La Pine schools and nearby college campuses closed on Friday after the shooting.
Crisis counselors were stationed at the Central Library and Larkspur Community Center for students and families.
Hundreds gathered at Drake Park for a candlelight vigil, leaving candles, flowers and a handwritten message.
A community meal-train raised over $83,000 for the family of the 5-year-old victim.

Summary

Police Neutralize Shooter

Police officers entered the school at 1:02 p.m., causing the shooter to be down inside the building within seconds.
A 911 call reporting a shot fired into a car outside the school was received at 12:59 p.m.
Investigators say the gunman forced entry by shooting at locked doors.
Authorities have not identified who killed the shooter, stating it may have been a bystander.

History

Historical Context

Columbine’s April 20 1999 massacre, where seniors Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold killed 13 students and a teacher, sparked nationwide school-security reforms and a wave of copycat attacks. Decades later, in June 2024, civilian Kaylub Giamanco halted a gunman at Silver Rail Elementary in Bend, Oregon after three children died, reviving the same debates over armed bystanders and school safety.

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Giamanco Stops Shooter

Kaylub Giamanco, a 36-year-old concealed-carry permit holder, shot and killed the 16-year-old gunman at Silver Rail Elementary in Bend, Oregon.
John Griffin used a pump-action shotgun that his mother purchased.
The attack killed three children ages 5, 8 and 11 and one teacher.
A 7-year-old student and a 54-year-old teacher were critically injured.
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek publicly thanked Giamanco for stopping further loss of life.

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