A brave teacher at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, risked her life when she threw her cellphone at a gunman, tackled him and fought to take away his shotgun. Police said her quick action almost certainly prevented more bloodshed in the classroom.
Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz shared the details on Friday, one day after the tragic shooting. The attack happened inside a special needs classroom where a 16-year-old former student killed three children aged 5, 8 and 11, along with one teacher. Two other people, a student and a teacher, were also wounded.
The teacher, who has not been named, was not injured during the struggle. While she wrestled with the suspect, a parent who had followed the gunman into the school opened fire and killed him. The parent had seen the shooter firing a shotgun just outside the campus and decided to intervene.
Police arrived within three minutes of the first call and found the shooter already dead. The 16-year-old, identified as Griffin J. John II, had forced his way into the school by shooting through locked glass doors. He was armed with a 12-gauge shotgun, fired about 15 rounds inside the classroom and was carrying another 44 rounds.
Chief Krantz praised both the teacher and the parent for their courage. He said the teacher who stood and fought for her students showed true heroism, while the parent’s actions undoubtedly saved lives. The parent was later identified as Kaylub Giamanco, a father of two girls who attend the school. His family has asked for privacy and expressed gratitude to first responders and the community.
Residents of Bend gathered near the school on Friday to mourn, placing flowers and candles outside the crime scene tape. Many thanked the parent and the teacher for their bravery during the dark moment.
School shootings remain a painful and recurring issue in the United States, often sparking fresh debates about gun laws and safety measures in schools.
