According to the New York Post, a father driving home during his lunch break heard gunfire, rushed into a special education classroom at an elementary school in Bend, Oregon, and fatally shot a teenage gunman, stopping the attack. His heroic actions may have saved many more lives.
NBC News, citing his brother Kyle Giamanco, reported that 36-year-old carpenter Kaylub Giamanco has two daughters who attend Silver Rail Elementary School. Around 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, while driving home for his lunch break, he heard gunshots.
Kyle stated that Giamanco—who holds a valid concealed carry permit—rushed into a special education classroom at the school, confronted the 16-year-old shooter, John J. Griffin II, and fatally shot him.
Although authorities believe Giamanco’s actions saved lives, his brother noted that he does not wish to speak publicly about the incident. He does not consider himself a hero; instead, he feels a deep sense of guilt for not being able to save more people.
Giamanco’s mother, Kenda Freeman, told the New York Post at her home in Bend on Friday that she is “very proud” of her son for remaining calm and taking swift action in a crisis.
“He is absolutely a hero,” Freeman said. “It’s been a difficult time; he’s going through a lot… I am just so proud of him—I couldn’t have asked for anything more from him.”
Freeman also shared a statement on behalf of the family, noting that Giamanco “has no desire for public recognition” and requesting that the family’s privacy be respected. The statement notes, “The tragedy at Silver Rail Elementary School has devastated the entire Bend community. Giamanco, a long-time resident of Bend, has come forward to identify himself as the individual who shot and killed the intruder at the school.”
The statement continues, “He does not seek any recognition; rather, he wishes to express his gratitude to first responders, school staff, and all members of the community who have reached out with care and support.”
It further adds, “Giamanco’s family—including his two daughters, who are students at the school—requests that their privacy be respected during this difficult time. They will not be granting any media interviews.”
U.S. President Trump praised Giamanco as an “amazing hero,” stating that he “handled the situation well.”
According to the police, 16-year-old Griffin II used his mother’s pump-action shotgun to open fire inside the school, resulting in the deaths of three children—aged 5, 8, and 11—as well as a teacher.
The elementary school has an enrollment of approximately 400 to 450 students. The shooter gained entry by firing at a locked school door, after which he launched his attack.
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