Hero Dad Fatally Shoots Teen Gunman at Silver Rail Elementary During Lunch Break

Kaylub Giamanco was heading home from his lunch break on Thursday afternoon when he heard gunshots near Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon. The 36 year old carpenter, whose two young daughters attend the school, pulled over and decided to act. He followed the teenage gunman into the building and ended the attack inside a special education classroom.

His brother Kyle Giamanco later told NBC News that Kaylub owns a concealed weapon and trained in the past with military veterans. In a 2018 Facebook post Kaylub wrote that he had gone shooting with men who served together in Iraq and that they taught him military drills.

On this day those skills came into play. He entered the school and fatally shot 16 year old Griffin J. John, who had forced his way inside by firing through locked doors.

John, a former special needs student at the school, carried his mother’s pump action shotgun. He killed three children ages 5, 8 and 11 along with a teacher before Giamanco stopped him. Another student, a 7 year old who uses a wheelchair and is a family friend of the Giamancos, was critically wounded after being shot in the face and is recovering after surgery. A 54 year old teacher was also critically injured. Roughly 400 to 450 students attend the school.

Despite the lives he saved, Giamanco has not spoken publicly. His brother said he feels deep guilt that he could not save more children and does not see himself as a hero. On Friday his mother Kenda Freeman, 50, spoke outside the family home in Bend. She told reporters she is super proud of her son and called him absolutely a hero while noting that he is going through a very difficult time.

A family statement said Kaylub is not seeking recognition and instead wants to thank first responders, school staff and the community for their support. The family, including his two daughters, asked for privacy and will not give interviews.

President Trump later described Giamanco as a great hero who took care of business.