Kaylub Giamanco, a father driving past his daughters’ elementary school in Oregon, followed an armed 16-year-old into the building and shot him after gunfire killed three children and a teacher.
Giamanco, 36, was on his way home for lunch on Thursday when he heard shots at Silver Rail Elementary, where his daughters, aged five and 10, are pupils. His brother Kyle said Giamanco, a carpenter who legally owns a concealed weapon, entered the special education area after pursuing the gunman.
Authorities said the shooter, identified as Griffin John II, killed children aged five, eight and 11, as well as a teacher. Another teacher and a seven-year-old pupil were injured.
Giamanco’s brother said he did not regard himself as a hero and was haunted by what he had seen inside the classroom. He also felt guilty that he had not been able to save more people, Kyle said.
The seven-year-old injured in the attack is a wheelchair user and was shot in the face, according to the family. The child’s family are friends with the Giamancos, and Kyle said the pupil was recovering after surgery.
Oregon governor Tina Kotek praised the person who intervened during a press conference on Thursday.
“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,” she said.
President Donald Trump also said Giamanco’s intervention had prevented the attack from becoming worse.
“Well, I’ll tell you what, there was a great hero. It could have been worse, as bad as it was. We had a great hero that went in and did the business,” Mr Trump told reporters outside the White House on Friday.
“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.”
John II, who had previously attended Silver Rail Elementary, is alleged to have used a shotgun believed to have been bought by his mother. He reportedly blasted through the locks of a safety vestibule before entering the special education section and opening fire.
The first victim to be publicly identified was five-year-old Rhoam Summer. His father, Kelik Summer, wrote on Facebook: “Today has been the worst day of my life. My son Rhoam was killed in a school shooting.
“We are broken and lost, but are surrounded by friends and family who are keeping us safe.”
Children had been dressed in their best clothes for school photograph day when the shooting took place. Hannah Ferrie, whose daughters aged five and seven survived, said her younger daughter had hidden silently beside her second-grade teacher after hearing gunshots and glass breaking.
Ferrie said the girl was now too frightened to sleep alone and would not leave her mother’s side. “It’s such a relief, and also a feeling of profound guilt that other parents didn’t get that,” she said.
A fundraising appeal has been launched for Giamanco, his wife Kelsey and their two daughters. It is intended to help with therapy, possible legal costs and time away from work as the family deals with the aftermath of the shooting.
