A father of two sprinted into a Bend elementary school, drew his .40‑caliber pistol and killed the 16‑year‑old shooter before the first deputy arrived.
The gunman, identified as 16‑year‑old Griffin John II, opened fire after a red‑truck driver yelled at him and was shot at, prompting the driver to call 911.
Kaylub Giamanco, a 36‑year‑old carpenter who legally carried a concealed pistol, followed the gunman inside, wrestled a female teacher who tried to seize the weapon, and fired multiple rounds, ending the threat.
The Deschutes County Sheriff confirmed that Giamanco stopped the attack before any law‑enforcement officer reached the scene.
Political fallout
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek thanked teachers, staff and “first responders” but highlighted Giamanco’s “heroic intervention,” even as she faces a tight reelection race against Republican Christine Drazan.
Kotek’s record supports additional gun restrictions, and critics noted the irony of praising an armed citizen while advocating disarmament.
PJ Media commenters pointed out that Kotek’s praise was limited and accused Democrats of ignoring the hero’s actions.
Kevin Starrett, executive director of the Oregon Firearms Federation, condemned Democratic and Republican leaders for failing to recognize the father’s bravery, calling their responses “laughable.”
Starrett argued that the only effective response to violence is an armed citizen prepared to act, and that police are not the first line of defense.
He also criticized the media for focusing on anti‑gun politicians instead of the man who stopped the massacre.
Republican State Rep. Alex Skarlatos, who helped stop an ISIS train attack in 2015, praised the Bend hero, saying such courage is rare and should be celebrated.
Starrett noted that the Oregon Department of Emergency Management bragged about preparedness while the shooter used a shotgun to breach a safety door designed to stop school shooters.
House Republican Leader Lucetta Elmer and Senator Mike McLane issued statements of grief but omitted any mention of the armed hero, according to Starrett.
Gun‑rights groups say the incident proves that fewer restrictions and more armed citizens can prevent tragedies, while Democrats continue to push new legislation that they claim will improve safety.
With the election approaching, the debate over gun rights and public safety intensifies, as Oregonians await concrete action beyond political rhetoric.
