Who is Kaylub Giamanco? Man who gunned down 16-year-old Oregon elementary school shooter identified as father of two girls

The man who shot and killed a teenage shooter at an elementary school in Bend, Oregon, on Thursday, has been identified as 36-year-old Kaylub Giamanco. The family of Giamanco -- who has been hailed as a hero by the law enforcement and members of the community -- released a statement Friday, confirming that he gunned down the attacker, identified as 16-year-old Griffin J John, a former student at the Silver Rail Elementary School.

What we know about Giamanco

Giamanco is a lifelong resident of Bend and works as a carpenter, according to NBC News. He is the father of two daughters, who attend the elementary school that was attacked.


At a press conference on Friday, police said Giamanco was driving by the school when he heard gunshots and saw the shooter entering the school. He was armed with a .40-caliber pistol that he has a license for. Giamanco pulled over, followed the gunman into the school, and fired his weapon to kill the assailant, police said.

Giamanco praised by Oregon governor

"The tragedy at Silver Rail elementary has devastated the Bend community," Giamanco’s family in their statement. "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 brother Kameron Giamanco said in a Facebook post: "He’s an absolute HERO. However, we are not speaking to media at this time. He’s not ready, nor is the family."

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek also applauded Giamanco and said she was thinking of him. "To the community member who heroically intervened to stop further loss of life, your actions carry a heavy emotional burden, and I just want you to know that my thoughts are with you as well," Kotek said in a statement.

What happened at the Bend school?

The shooting occurred in a special needs classroom, which the gunman had previously attended, according to Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Steven Cook. The shooting spree left three children -- aged 5, 8, and 11 -- and a 25-year-old teacher dead. A 7-year-old girl and another teacher suffered serious injuries and were undergoing treatment, Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz said.

The gun used by the shooter, a Maverick 88 pump-action 12-gauge shotgun, had been purchased by his mother around the time of his birthday in August. The gunman had another 44 rounds of ammunition in his possession, police said.

Trump hails Giamanco as 'great hero'

President Donald Trump has described Giamanco as a "great hero." Speaking to reporters on Friday, Trump said: "Thank God we had him," adding: "Otherwise it would have been much worse. It’s a terrible thing, but thank goodness for a man that had a gun and knew how to use it."