Family identifies bystander who killed Bend school gunman as local father
The armed man who shot and killed the gunman at a grade school in Bend, Oregon, is Kaylub Giamanco, his family said Friday, The Bulletin and The Guardian reported. Giamanco, 36, is a carpenter whose two daughters go to the school. Police have not named him or given a motive for the attack.
The armed bystander who shot and killed the 16-year-old gunman at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, on Thursday is Kaylub Giamanco, his family confirmed Friday, The Bulletin and The Guardian reported. Police have declined to release his name, The Guardian reported, and officials have not publicly named him, NBC News reported. Giamanco, 36, is a carpenter who lives in Bend, and his two daughters attend Silver Rail, according to The Bulletin. NBC News also reported his age, his work as a carpenter and that his daughters attend the school.
Giamanco was driving by the school when he heard gunfire and saw the gunman entering, The Guardian reported, citing police. Police Chief Mike Krantz said the bystander, armed with a .40-caliber handgun, went in through the doors the gunman had forced open, saw a teacher in a physical altercation with the suspect and fired, striking him multiple times, according to NBC News. Krantz said the teacher, who threw her cellphone at the gunman and tackled him, "almost certainly helped prevent more bloodshed," NBC reported.
"He is not seeking recognition, but instead wishes to express his gratitude to the first responders, school personnel and community for the outpouring of love and support," his mother said in a statement read to reporters, according to The Bulletin. His mother said he would not speak to the media, The Bulletin reported, and the family declined further media interviews, The Guardian reported. His brother said Giamanco feels guilty that he could not save more children, according to NBC News.
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek praised the bystander without naming him on Thursday, saying his "actions carry a heavy emotional burden," The Bulletin and The Guardian reported. President Donald Trump called him "a great hero" on Friday, The Bulletin reported.
Three boys, ages 5, 8 and 11, and teacher Megan Lambert, 25, were killed, and a 7-year-old girl and another teacher were wounded, police said, according to NBC News. Authorities have not released a motive, The Guardian reported.
What we know: The bystander's family has confirmed that Kaylub Giamanco, a Bend carpenter and father of two Silver Rail students, shot the gunman.
What we don't: Why the 16-year-old attacked the school, and whether police will formally identify the bystander.
Where outlets agree The Bulletin, The Guardian and NBC News all report that the bystander's family identified him as Kaylub Giamanco, a father of two girls at the school.
Where they differ The outlets cited here report the same key facts so far.