Oregon mass shooting: three students and teacher killed as police probe motive
Attack at Silver Rail Elementary
The shooting took place at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, which serves about 450 students from kindergarten through fifth grade. Police received reports of an active shooter shortly after the violence began at 12:58 p.m.
A passing driver saw the teenager throw a 12-gauge shotgun over the school fence and climb over it. After firing at the driver’s truck, the gunman entered the building by shooting through locked glass doors.
Victims and injured survivors
Three children, ages 5, 8 and 11, and 25-year-old learning specialist Megan Lambert were killed. Bend Police identified 5-year-old Rhoam Summer and Lambert in a social media tribute; the article does not name the other two children.
A 7-year-old student and 54-year-old educational assistant Becky Drury suffered critical injuries and were taken to a local hospital. The report says both continue to recover.
Police investigate the motive
Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz identified the 16-year-old shooter as Griffin J. John II, a former special-needs student at the school. Police said he had 44 additional rounds of ammunition.
Authorities have not disclosed a motive and said the investigation continues. Krantz said investigators might never learn why the teenager targeted the school.
Community response and tributes
On Friday, Kaylub Giamanco, 36, was identified by his brother, speaking to NBC News, as the parent who subdued the gunman. Oregon Governor Kotek praised the community member who intervened and urged people to support one another.
Lambert’s family tribute, released by Bend Police, described Silver Rail as her first teaching job and her dream job. State Democratic lawmakers called for stricter gun laws; Senator Ron Wyden asked on X how many schools must be attacked before Republicans act to curb gun violence.
Key points
- Three children and teacher Megan Lambert were killed at Silver Rail Elementary in Bend.
- The injured were a 7-year-old student and educational assistant Becky Drury.
- Police identified the 16-year-old gunman as former student Griffin J. John II.
- Authorities have not established a motive and say they may never find one.