Oregon carpenter Kaylub Giamanco reportedly confronted the teenage gunman at Silver Rail Elementary School as the attack unfolded. (Photo: Facebook)
A father of two who was driving home during his lunch break rushed into an Oregon elementary school after hearing gunshots and confronted a teenage gunman who had opened fire inside the building.
Kaylub Giamanco, a 36-year-old carpenter from Bend, Oregon, has been credited with stopping the attack at Silver Rail Elementary School.According to a report by The New York Post, which spoke to Giamanco’s mother, Kenda Freeman, the father is not seeking public recognition and his family has asked for privacy. His brother, Kyle Giamanco, also told NBC News that Kaylub is struggling with the aftermath of the tragedy and reportedly feels guilty that he could not save more lives.The shooting claimed the lives of three children, aged 5, 8 and 11, and a teacher. Another student, aged seven, and a 54-year-old teacher were critically injured, according to the report.
Who is Kaylub Giamanco?
According to his brother’s account to NBC News, Giamanco was heading home from his lunch break at around 1 pm on Thursday when he heard gunfire coming from the school area. His two daughters attend Silver Rail Elementary.Giamanco, who owns a concealed firearm, reportedly followed the gunman into the school’s special-education room and fatally shot him, his brother said.
His actions have since drawn attention as accounts of the attack and the response emerge.
‘He is absolutely a hero’: Mother praises his actions
Speaking to The New York Post, Giamanco’s mother, Kenda Freeman, expressed pride in her son’s response while acknowledging that he was going through a difficult time.“He is absolutely a hero. ... It’s not an easy time, and he’s going through a lot. ... I’m super proud of him, and I couldn’t ask for more,” Freeman told the newspaper.A statement shared by a family representative said Giamanco was not seeking recognition and thanked first responders, school personnel and the community for their support. The family also requested privacy and said they would not be participating in interviews at that time.
Kaylub Giamanco’s background in shooting
Giamanco had previously shared a Facebook post about attending a shooting session with military veterans who had served in Iraq. In September 2018, he wrote about learning military shooting drills and listening to the veterans’ experiences, while thanking members of the armed forces for their service.
What happened at Silver Rail Elementary School?
According to the report, 16-year-old John J. Griffin II entered the school armed with his mother’s pump-action shotgun and opened fire. The attack killed three children and a teacher and left another student and a teacher critically injured.The incident has devastated the Bend community, with families and school staff grappling with the aftermath. Giamanco’s family has stressed that, despite the praise he has received, he is not looking for attention and needs privacy as he processes what happened.US President Donald Trump also reportedly praised Giamanco, describing him as “a great hero” who “took care of business”.