The 16-year-old who opened fire at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, has been identified as John Griffin II, and law enforcement sources say the shotgun he used had been purchased by his mother, reportedly around the time of his birthday in August.
The armed civilian who stopped the attack has been identified as Kaylub Giamanco, 36, a carpenter and father of two daughters who attend the school. Giamanco’s brother, Kyle Giamanco, told NBC News that Kaylub was driving home during his lunch break when he heard gunfire near the school and saw Griffin entering the building where his two daughters were in class. Carrying a concealed handgun, Kaylub followed the teenager inside, confronted him, and fatally shot him.
Griffin is accused of first firing at a truck driving near the school before shooting his way into the building shortly before 1 p.m. Thursday. Three children, ages 5, 8, and 11, and a teacher were killed before Giamanco stopped him. A 7-year-old student and another teacher were critically wounded and remain hospitalized.
Authorities have not said whether Griffin had any connection to Silver Rail Elementary or disclosed a possible motive. Investigators are examining how the teenager obtained the shotgun.
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek, a Democrat, praised Giamanco’s actions, saying he had “heroically intervened” and likely prevented the death toll from climbing higher.
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