911 call captures Oregon man who killed shooter inside elementary school, authorities release recording

The call for help

The Associated Press obtained the call Tuesday through a public records request. It lasted a little more than a minute and began as Giamanco, driving home for lunch, reported seeing an armed person at his daughter’s school.

He then reported that the shooter was entering the building. Asked whether the attacker was firing, Giamanco said yes. The call ended as the operator sought more details.

The attack at school

On Oct. 15, the 16-year-old shooter, Griffin J. John II, entered Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend after shooting through locked doors. He killed three children, ages 5, 8 and 11, and a teacher in a special needs classroom.

Giamanco enters the building

As he hurried to the school, Giamanco climbed inside through an open window. He opened the classroom door and fired, causing the shooter to fall. Giamanco later said Schutz’s actions gave him an opening and called her “a real true hero.”

In an interview with Oregon Public Broadcasting, Giamanco said he regretted not arriving in time to save everyone who died or was hurt. He said he felt he was the last defense between the shooter and the other children. Giamanco said the attacker reached for his shotgun after he entered the room, so he fired twice more to prevent him from moving.

Teachers describe the aftermath

Bend-La Pine Schools identified Schutz last week and shared her statement. She wrote, “This is not a story. This is a horrific and heartbreaking tragedy, and it is our real lives.” She said her focus was on the families, the school and her own healing.

A second teacher, Becky Drury, said she had no chance to shelter the children. She had tried to close the door, but the shooter was already there. Drury said he shot her at close range, injuring her left hand and right arm, and that she pretended to be dead because she could not get up.