Authorities in Bend, Oregon, have identified two of the four victims killed during a shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School on Thursday. Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz announced Friday that 25-year-old teacher Meghan Lambert and 5-year-old student Rhoam Summer died in the attack. Two other children, ages 8 and 11, were also killed, though their names have not been released.
The shooting occurred in a special needs classroom at the school, according to Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Steven Cook. The suspect was identified as 16-year-old Griffin J. John II, a former special needs student at the school. Police reported that the suspect was shot and killed at the scene by a bystander, Kaylub Giamanco. Giamanco, whose two daughters attend the school, stated through his family that he is not seeking recognition and expressed gratitude to first responders.
In addition to the four deaths, a 7-year-old girl and a 54-year-old teacher were wounded. The girl was reported in serious but stable condition at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, while the teacher was treated for serious but non-life-threatening injuries at St. Charles Medical Center. Chief Krantz also credited an uninjured teacher with preventing further casualties by throwing her cellphone at the suspect and tackling him to wrestle for his firearm.
The incident highlights the role of civilian intervention in active shooter situations. While an armed bystander, Kaylub Giamanco, ended the attack by fatally shooting the suspect, experts interviewed by NPR noted that it is rare for an armed civilian to end such an assault. The 54-year-old wounded teacher and the 7-year-old student face medical recovery, which involves treatment at facilities like Oregon Health & Science University. The specific financial costs of medical care or the duration of the school's closure were not reported.
The shooting may influence future discussions regarding school security, particularly as the suspect was identified as a former student of the same special needs program where the shooting took place. As of Friday, the names of two deceased children and the wounded victims remained private. Police have not released details on the motive or the specific firearm used. Local authorities and school officials have not yet announced a date for when classes will resume at Silver Rail Elementary.