Four Killed in Shooting at Oregon Elementary School
A shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, killed three children and a teacher on Thursday, according to police. A seven-year-old student and a 54-year-old teacher were critically injured. Authorities identified the gunman as Griffin J. John II, 16, a former student at the school.
Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz said all four people who died were shot in one classroom. The victims included children ages five, eight and 11. Police said the attacker fired through locked doors to enter the building. Officers arrived within minutes of the first emergency calls.
Krantz said a teacher threw her phone at the gunman and fought with him. She was not injured. Kaylub Giamanco, whose two daughters attend the school, followed the attacker inside and shot him, according to his mother and officials. Police found the gunman dead inside the school.
Officials said the teacher and Giamanco likely prevented further deaths. His mother said he was not seeking recognition and asked for privacy for the family. Governor Tina Kotek thanked the person who intervened, while President Donald Trump praised his actions and noted that he had a gun.
A law enforcement official told The Associated Press that the attacker used a pump-action shotgun purchased by his mother. The official spoke anonymously because they were not authorized to discuss the investigation. Police said the first emergency call came from someone outside the school who reported being shot at.
Students were taken to a nearby church for reunification with their families. Residents gathered for a vigil Thursday night, and flowers, balloons and stuffed animals were placed near the school. Classes and activities were cancelled Friday across the area's 32 schools. Relatives identified the wounded teacher as Becky Drury and said she was recovering from surgery. The investigation into the shooting at the school continues.