The youngest victim of the US primary school shooting that left four people dead has been named locally.
The community in Bend, Oregon, is reeling from the massacre after a 16-year-old gunman opened fire inside a special needs classroom at Silver Rail Elementary School.
Three children, aged five, eight and 11, and a teacher, were killed when the teen, Griffin J. John II, opened fire on Thursday. A seven-year-old pupil and another teacher were also injured.
Further bloodshed was stopped by the ‘heroic actions’ of a teacher, who threw her mobile phone at him before a dad, who in turn had followed the shooter into the school, shot him dead, police chief Mike Krantz said.
The hero father was identified as lifelong local resident Kaylub Giamanco after his family issued a statement, saying he was not looking for recognition.
Giamanco, whose two daughters go to Silver Rail Elementary, followed the shooter into the school, armed himself with a .40-calibre pistol he had a licence for.
He interrupted the altercation between the teen gunman and the teacher and neutralised the assailant.
An emotional candlelight vigil was held in the town, which is considered very safe with a below-average crime rate.
Now the five-year-old victim of the tragedy has been named as Rhoam Summer.
The family is grieving ‘the heartbreaking loss of their sweet 5-year-old son, Rhoam,’ a GoFundMe page said.
The fundraiser, set up on Friday to support the Summer family, said the family is facing ‘the wake of an unimaginable tragedy.’
The organiser, from Bend, said: ‘There are no words that can ease the pain of losing a child, and no family should ever have to experience a loss like this.
‘As they navigate the days and weeks ahead, we want to come together as a community to surround them with love, compassion, and support.
‘We’ve created this Go Fund Me to help ease the burden of everyday responsibilities so they can focus on being together, grieving, and taking things one day at a time.
‘Whether you’re able to donate, send a gift card, or simply keep this family in your thoughts and prayers, every gesture of kindness means more than words can express.
‘Thank you for helping us care for this family during the most heartbreaking time of their lives.’
The campaign attracted more than $118,000 within hours (£88,745), exceeding the initial $100,000 target.
Who is the Bend shooter Griffin J. John II?
The 16-year-old gunman was a former special needs student at Silver Rail Elementary, according to the Bend-La Pine Schools superintendent Steven Cook.
Police officers reportedly searched his home, according to a senior law enforcement source speaking to CNN.
Computers and other electronic devices were allegedly collected, but no clear motive has emerged at this stage.
His parents are said to have been cooperative during the search.
His mum told CNN the teen was ‘a good boy.’
She said: ‘I miss my boy. I’m so sorry.’
‘I’m so sorry, I wish I could have done something. I’m sorry for their loss,’ she added.
Authorities are investigating how he bypassed the school’s security measures as all of the district’s schools are equipped with secure vestibules.
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