Thursday became the scene of a tragedy for students and staff at Silver Rail Elementary in Bend and a father who lives close by ended up in the middle of it.
Police say three children and one teacher were killed Thursday, and the suspected shooter, a 16-year-old, was shot dead by an armed bystander. The kids were 5, 8 and 11 years old. Two more people, a 7-year-old and a 54-year-old teacher, were rushed to the hospital in critical condition.Now we know who that bystander is.
Kaylub Giamanco, 36, is the father of two girls at the school. His brother told NBC News that Kaylub was driving on his lunch break when he heard gunshots, then watched the teen head into the building. He didn’t wait around for somebody else to handle it. Police say Giamanco was a lifelong Bend resident, and the shooter was found shot and down inside the school. The chief says the shooter forced his way in by firing at locked doors, and Giamanco followed him in and intervened. Officers pulled up at 1:02 p.m. By then, the threat was over.
His family says he regrets that he couldn’t save more lives, and that he holds a concealed carry permit.
Giamanco is not out here chasing a spotlight. A family spokesperson said he is “not seeking recognition” and only wants to thank first responders, school staff and the community for their love.
Three kids and a teacher are now gone. Two daughters still get to go home to their dad. Both of those truths are sitting heavy in Bend right now.