How a father with 2 daughters stopped an Oregon elementary school shooter

A parent intervenes

Kenda Freeman said in a statement Friday that her son, Kaylub Giamanco, entered the events at Silver Rail Elementary and shot the teenage gunman. She said Giamanco is the father of two girls at the school and a lifelong Bend resident.

Freeman said her son was not seeking recognition. She also expressed gratitude to first responders, school personnel and the community for their support.

Police have not named shooter

The accounts differ on whether Giamanco was the person who shot the suspect: Freeman identified her son, while police have not publicly identified the shooter. Gov. Tina Kotek praised an unnamed community member for following the gunman into the building and helping end the attack.

Casualties and investigation

Krantz said the children killed were 5, 8 and 11 years old. A 7-year-old child and a 54-year-old teacher were taken to a hospital in critical condition; authorities did not provide details about the teacher who died.

Police said the suspect entered by shooting through locked doors. A law enforcement official briefed on the investigation said the attacker used a pump-action shotgun purchased by his mother; Oregon law allows a minor to possess a shotgun provided by a parent or with a parent’s consent.

Families gather after attack

The first 911 call came early Thursday afternoon from someone outside the school reporting that a person with a long gun had fired at them. More calls came from inside, and police said officers arrived within minutes.

Children were taken by bus to a nearby church where families could reunite. Residents held a vigil Thursday night, and memorials with flowers, balloons and stuffed animals appeared near the school.