Three children and a teacher killed in Bend school shooting; shooter killed by armed civilian
A 16-year-old former student opened fire at Silver Rail Elementary in Bend, Oregon, killing three students and a teacher, while an armed community member shot the suspect.
A mass shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, left three children and a teacher dead and two others injured. Police said the 16-year-old shooter, identified as Griffin J. John II, entered the building by breaking glass doors and fired into a special-needs classroom, discharging as many as 15 rounds.
A teacher who was not injured threw her cellphone at the assailant and attempted to subdue him. When the suspect continued to fire, Kaylub Giamanco, a parent who was carrying a legally owned .40-caliber pistol, shot and killed John. Police chief Mike Krantz described the incident as a rapid response by the teacher and the armed civilian.
The victims included 5-year-old Rhoam Summer and two other children, ages 8 and 11, whose names were withheld at the families’ request. The injured teacher, Becky Drury, 54, and 7-year-old student Saylor Graham were taken to local hospitals; Drury underwent surgery on both arms and is expected to recover.
Survivors described a lockdown that lasted about half an hour, with students sheltering in classrooms and hallways while gunshots echoed. One student recalled hearing the principal announce a lockdown and hearing a peer plead for the shooting to stop.
Community members have gathered outside the school to honor the victims, erecting makeshift memorials with crosses, flowers and messages. Families of the injured and deceased have expressed gratitude for the support they have received.
Authorities continue to investigate the motive and circumstances surrounding the attack.