Kaylub Giamanco, a 36-year-old carpenter and father of two students at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, has been identified as the man who fatally shot a 16-year-old gunman during a deadly school shooting that killed four people and left two others critically injured.
Giamanco’s brother, Kyle Giamanco, confirmed his identity to NBC News. He said his brother was driving home for his lunch break on Thursday when he heard gunshots and encountered the shooter.
Despite rumors that Giamanco had been at the school to pick up his daughters, Kyle said his brother was not collecting them at the time. Instead, he heard gunfire before seeing the gunman enter the school.
Kyle said his brother, who holds a concealed-weapon permit, decided to enter the building and confront the shooter, identified in reports as John J. Griffin.
According to Kyle, the gunman had entered a special education classroom. Several parents also told NBC News that the shooting occurred in that classroom, although police have not publicly confirmed that account.
Brother Says Giamanco Struggles With the Aftermath
Kyle described his brother as a hero but said Giamanco does not view himself that way. According to Kyle, his brother has been reluctant to speak publicly because he continues to think about the children affected by the shooting.
Kyle said his brother felt guilty that he had not been able to save more people, despite intervening during the attack.
One of the injured students, a seven-year-old boy who was shot in the face, is recovering from surgery, Kyle said. The child uses a wheelchair, and Kyle said he is friends with the boy’s family.
The shooting killed three children, aged five, eight and 11, along with a teacher. A seven-year-old student and another teacher were critically injured, according to reports.
What Is Known About the Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting?
Griffin, 16, allegedly opened fire at Silver Rail Elementary School on Thursday using a pump-action shotgun that belonged to his mother, according to reports citing law enforcement officials.
Giamanco confronted the gunman and shot him dead before police arrived at the school shortly after 1 p.m. local time. NBC News identified Griffin as the shooter, citing three senior law enforcement officials who had been briefed on the matter.
The circumstances surrounding Griffin’s connection to the school remain unclear. NBC News reported that his mother had purchased the shotgun around his birthday in August.
Authorities are investigating the motive behind the attack. Silver Rail Elementary School has approximately 450 students, according to the information provided in reports.
Police have not confirmed reports that the gunman entered a special education classroom, and the circumstances of the attack remain under investigation.
Community Mourns Victims of the Deadly Attack
Flowers were placed outside Silver Rail Elementary School on Friday as the community mourned the victims.
The shooting has left families and residents grieving the loss of three young students and a teacher, while two other victims continue to face serious injuries.
Investigators are working to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the gunman’s motive and his connection to the school. Further details about the attack may emerge as authorities continue their investigation.