Full Breakdown
Heroic Bystander Stops Oregon School Shooter
By Drooid · · How we work
The Shooting and Immediate Intervention
On Thursday afternoon at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, a 16-year-old male entered the building by firing through the locked front doors and opened fire in a special-needs classroom. Police later confirmed that the shooter killed three children—ages 5, 8 and 11—and 25-year-old teacher Meghan Lambert, and wounded a 7-year-old student and 54-year-old educational assistant Becky Drury. Within minutes, a 36-year-old father of two students, Kaylub Giamanco, pursued the gunman into the classroom and fatally shot him with a legally owned .40-caliber pistol.
Background & Context
The shooter, identified as Griffin J. John II, had previously attended Silver Rail as a special-needs student. He used a pump-action 12-gauge shotgun that investigators say was purchased by his mother around his 16th birthday. Oregon law permits minors to possess non-handgun firearms with parental consent, a point authorities are examining.
Timeline
- 12:58 p.m. PT – The suspect approaches the school fence, throws his shotgun over the fence, and climbs onto the campus.
- 12:59 p.m. PT – A driver of a red pickup truck calls 911, reporting that the gunman is firing at the vehicle.
- 1:00 p.m. PT – Dispatch receives dozens of calls reporting a shooter inside the school; a critical-incident alert is issued.
- 1:01 p.m. PT – School is placed on lockdown.
- 1:02 p.m. PT – Bend police arrive; officers find the shooter already dead after being shot by the civilian.
- October 15, 2026 – Authorities begin a multi-agency investigation.
- October 16, 2026 – Community members gather for a candlelight vigil; flowers are left at the school.
Data & Statistics
- Fatalities: 3 children and teacher Meghan Lambert.
- Injured: 7-year-old student (critical but stable) and teacher Becky Drury (serious but non-life-threatening).
- Shots fired by shooter: Approximately 15 rounds; 44 additional rounds were found on his person.
- Weapon used by shooter: Pump-action shotgun (Maverick 88).
- Weapon used by Giamanco: .40-caliber pistol, carried under a concealed-carry permit.
- Police response time: Officers on scene within three minutes of the first 911 call.
Official Statements & Responses
Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz described the civilian intervention as “heroic” and said the rapid response likely saved additional lives. The family of the slain teacher expressed gratitude toward Giamanco, calling him a “hero.”
On-the-Ground Reports
A 9-year-old student, Kalani, recounted the chaos: “All of us were screaming and we were all, like, really scared.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “He is not seeking recognition but instead wishes to express his gratitude to the first responders, school personnel, and community for the outpouring of love and support,” — Kenda Freeman
- “She was not injured in that incident, but she almost certainly helped prevent more bloodshed,” — Mike Krantz, Bend police chief
- “All of us were screaming and we were all, like, really scared,” — Kalani