SEATTLE – A teacher threw her cellphone and tackled a teen gunman during a deadly shooting at an Oregon elementary school, likely saving lives before a parent followed the attacker inside and shot him.
What we know:
The shooting, which occurred on Thursday at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, killed four people: three students and a teacher.
Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz said 16-year-old Griffin J. John II, a former student at the school, crossed the street, threw a pump-action shotgun over a fence, and climbed over to access the property. After firing at a driver in a red pickup who confronted him, the gunman shot through locked glass door panes to force entry into the building.
Flowers and candles are seen at a makeshift memorial outside Silver Rail Elementary in Bend, Ore., Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, a day after a deadly shooting. (AP Photo/Joe Kline)
Teacher tackles shooter during elementary school attack
Inside a special needs classroom, the gunman fired as many as 15 rounds. During the attack, a teacher in the classroom threw her cellphone at the gunman and tackled him.
Chief Krantz called the actions of the unnamed teacher “heroic.” Police said she was not injured.
The victims killed in the classroom include:
- Rhoam Summer, a 5-year-old boy
- An 8-year-old child
- An 11-year-old child
- Megan Lambert
A 7-year-old girl and a 54-year-old teacher, identified by family as Becky Drury, were wounded and taken to a hospital. Drury suffered injuries to her left arm and right hand and underwent surgery, while the 7-year-old girl remained in serious condition.
What they’re saying:
“The teacher who was willing to stand and fight for her children, incredible. And I think we all recognize that that is true heroism. And, we don’t see that a lot in society, and we recognize it when we need to, and our community appreciates it,” Chief Krantz said during a press conference on Friday.
The parent who stopped the attack, identified by family as 36-year-old Kaylub Giamanco, witnessed the shooting outside, drove into the parking lot, and followed the gunman inside. Giamanco, a father of two girls enrolled at the school, shot the teenager several times, killing him.
“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, Giamanco’s mother, said in a statement.
In a statement, the family of teacher Megan Lambert thanked Giamanco.
“We want the bystander who intervened to know, we know he is going through a rough time, but we are grateful, and we think he is a hero,” her family said. “You selflessly put yourself at risk for others.”
Flowers are placed beside a sign at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Ore., on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, a day after a deadly shooting. (AP Photo/Haven Daley)
The backstory:
Authorities said the shooter, Griffin John, was a former special needs student at Silver Rail Elementary School, and all shots were fired inside a single special needs classroom.
John used a pump-action shotgun, according to law enforcement officials. Investigators found 44 additional rounds of ammunition on the suspect or in his backpack.
What we don’t know:
It’s currently unknown if John was taught in the classroom where the attack occurred. Police are still investigating a possible motive. Police are still trying to determine how the shooter obtained the gun.
What’s next:
Bend Police will remain on the school scene until Tuesday at the earliest as the investigation continues. Classes and activities were canceled across Bend schools on Friday.
Editors note: A previous version of this story misidentified the teacher who tackled the shooter as Megan Lambert. The story has been updated.
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The Source: Information in this story came from a joint press conference held by the Bend Police Department, the Bend-La Pine School District, the Associated Press, and FOX 13 Seattle reporting.