Trump calls Oregon school‑shooting bystander a great hero after father stops gunman
President Donald Trump praised Kaylub Giamanco, a carpenter and father of two students at Silver Rail Elementary in Bend, Oregon, for fatally shooting the 16‑year‑old gunman who had killed three children and a teacher on Oct. 15, 2026.
Giamanco, who holds a concealed‑carry permit, heard gunshots from his truck, turned toward the school and pursued the shooter inside the building. According to state and local officials, he engaged the suspect in a special‑education room and stopped the attack just before police arrived.
The teenage shooter, identified as John Griffin Jr. III, used a shotgun his mother had purchased to open fire on the campus, killing children ages five, eight and eleven as well as a teacher. A seven‑year‑old student and a 54‑year‑old teacher were critically injured and taken to St. Charles Medical Center.
At a White House briefing, Trump said, “There was a great hero, and it could have been as bad as it was, we had a great hero that went in and did the business. He took care of business. And thank God we had him; 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.”
Police confirmed that Giamanco’s intervention prevented further loss of life, with one source telling Fox News the bystander “definitely prevented more deaths.” Federal law‑enforcement officials noted his concealed‑carry permit and observed that his swift action occurred moments after the first 911 call at 12:59 p.m.
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek expressed sympathy for the victims and commended the citizen who “heroically intervened to stop further loss of life.” Local officials also highlighted Giamanco’s reluctance to seek recognition, noting a statement from his family that he wished to thank first responders and the community.
The shooting has reignited discussion of Oregon’s gun‑control measures. While the state ranks among the nation’s strongest in terms of background checks and permit requirements, critics argue that existing laws did not prevent a teenager from accessing a shotgun. Pro‑Second‑Amendment advocates, including Trump, have pointed to Giamanco’s actions as evidence that law‑abiding gun owners can protect public spaces.
Law enforcement continues to investigate the shooter’s motive and any possible connections to the school. A follow‑up press briefing is scheduled for Friday as authorities examine additional evidence and the circumstances that led to the tragedy.
