Police Chief Mike Krantz told reporters that the 16-year-old suspect, identified as Griffin J John II, forced his way into the school on Thursday afternoon after firing rounds outside in the car park. The attacker, who police said was a former student at the facility, fired as many as 15 rounds inside the classroom and carried roughly 44 additional rounds of shotgun ammunition when he was stopped.
Victims Identified as Families Mourn
Investigators confirmed that four people were killed in the classroom attack: three children and a teacher. Authorities identified two of the victims during Friday’s news conference: five-year-old Rhoam Summer and 25-year-old teacher Meghan Lambert. Lambert’s family released a statement through police describing her as a dedicated educator who “always fought for the underdog and those with special needs.” Bryan Jolly, the grandfather of young Rhoam Summer, told the New York Times that his grandson was bright, mischievous, and fearless.
The families of the two other children killed—an eight-year-old and an 11-year-old—chose not to have their names publicly released immediately. Two others sustained injuries in the shooting. A 54-year-old teacher remained hospitalized for emergency treatment, while a 7-year-old student was listed in serious but stable condition.
Armed Bystander and Teacher Praised for Intervention
Chief Krantz credited the unnamed teacher and the intervening father with preventing further loss of life. “To the people who showed courage in the face of such violence and intervened to prevent this tragedy from being any worse, we owe you a debt of gratitude,” Krantz said during the briefing according to the BBC.
While officials did not officially name the bystander who shot the suspect, family members identified him to US media outlets as Kaylub Giamanco, a 36-year-old carpenter and father of two girls enrolled at the school. According to his brother and mother, Giamanco was driving past the school at lunchtime when he witnessed the suspect firing through a window to gain entry. He retrieved his legally concealed .40 calibre pistol from his vehicle and ran inside.
Giamanco’s mother, Kenda Freeman, told a local CBS affiliate that her son called her immediately after the shooting in a state of trauma, explaining that he had confronted the gunman point-blank. US President Donald Trump praised the bystander during a Friday appearance, calling him a “great hero” and stating that the intervention prevented a worse catastrophe. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek also acknowledged the community member’s actions, noting the heavy emotional toll associated with such an intervention.
Ongoing Investigation Into Motive
Authorities executed a search warrant at the suspect’s residence as the investigation continued into Friday. Police believe the teenager travelled to the elementary school on foot but are still examining his exact movements and how he obtained the shotgun. Investigators confirmed that a clear motive for the attack has not yet been established.