Hero Father Recounts Taking Down Oregon School Gunman and the Trauma That Follows

POLICY WIRE — Bend, United States — Kaylub Giamanco, celebrated for his lifesaving intervention during a deadly school shooting in Bend, Oregon, last week, is breaking his silence about the harrowing incident and his struggle with the aftermath.

The 36-year-old carpenter, whose two daughters attend Silver Rail Elementary School, told Oregon Public Broadcasting that it was pure coincidence he drove past the campus at that exact moment. He had chosen to head home for lunch instead of eating the meal he packed earlier.

While driving by the property, he spotted a man dressed in black holding a long gun and firing at a vehicle. Initially assuming it was a prank, Giamanco watched as the suspect threw the firearm over the school fence and scaled the barrier.

Panic immediately set in as Giamanco opened his center console and muttered refusals to himself. Inside his truck was a .40-caliber handgun that he rarely used.

He retrieved the weapon’s magazine from another compartment, drove directly into the parking lot, and observed the gunman walking across the school grounds. Overwhelmed by the realization that babies and children were inside, he instructed his phone’s assistant to dial 911.

Although the dispatcher attempted to ask questions, Giamanco disconnected, stating aloud that he had to go inside because people were going to die. He then attempted to maintain cover while tracking the assailant.

Upon hearing the gunman fire two shots into the doors and children pleading for their lives, Giamanco began army crawling faster, mentally preparing himself for what he believed would be his final act. He entered through a broken window, staying low on his knees until he reached the special education classroom where a teacher was actively struggling with the attacker.

Bursting through the door, Giamanco fired at the suspect as the individual scrambled for a weapon. He shot the gunman two additional times to ensure he could not move or harm anyone else.

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek commended Giamanco’s bravery, noting that he heroically stepped in to halt further casualties. Police Chief Mike Krantz also praised the educator who tackled the shooter and fought to seize his weapon, actions that undoubtedly prevented additional bloodshed.

Authorities subsequently identified the shooter as 16-year-old Griffin J. John II. The tragic assault claimed the lives of three children—ages 5, 8, and 11—alongside a 25-year-old teacher, while leaving a 7-year-old girl and a 54-year-old teacher wounded.

Once law enforcement secured the scene, Giamanco returned to his vehicle, cleared his firearm, and contacted his wife followed by his mother. Reflecting on the conversation, he recalled his mother assuring him that he acted correctly and saved lives, though he responded that he failed to save everyone.

One week later, Giamanco shared that every night when he goes to bed, he replays the events and questions whether he could have stopped the threat sooner. He relives the faces, voices, and screams experienced during those split-second decisions amid ongoing gunfire.

Becoming emotional over the families who suffered losses, he offered an apology for not being able to save every child. While acknowledging the gratitude expressed by the community, he emphasized the heavy weight of the lives that were lost.

Although he initially sought to avoid public attention by releasing a brief statement thanking first responders, Giamanco ultimately decided to share his story with the public. He expressed a desire to leverage his new platform to enact positive change, hoping to help raise funds for local school safety enhancements.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)