A 16-year-old former pupil has been identified as the suspect in the Silver Rail Elementary School shooting in Bend, Oregon, in which three children and a teacher were killed.
Bend police chief Mike Krantz named the teenager as Griffin J. John II during a news conference on Friday. Police said he was shot dead by a parent who intervened at the school.
The victims included children aged five, eight and 11, as well as 25-year-old teacher Megan Lambert. The five-year-old was identified by police and her family as Rhoam Summer.
A seven-year-old child and a 54-year-old teacher were critically injured and taken to hospital, police said.
How the Silver Rail Elementary School shooting unfolded
Chief Krantz said the suspect approached the school fence on foot, threw a shotgun over it and then climbed into the grounds.
When a man driving a pick-up truck confronted him, the suspect fired at the vehicle, striking it at least three times. The driver continued on and made the first 911 call.
A 36-year-old man whose children attend the school then witnessed the shooting and drove into the school car park. His family has identified him as Kaylub Giamanco.
Police said the suspect forced his way into the building by firing several rounds through the glass panes of double doors. He then entered the classroom immediately to the left and opened fire.
“All of the victims were shot in that classroom,” Chief Krantz said.
Mr Giamanco, who legally owned a .40-calibre pistol, entered the school and went towards the classroom, police said. He heard gunfire and saw a teacher physically struggling with the suspect before firing several times and hitting him.
“As he made entry through the forced open doors, he heard shooting and saw a teacher involved in a physical altercation with the suspect,” Chief Krantz said. “He then went to the classroom where the struggle was underway and fired his weapon, striking the suspect multiple times.”
Police said they arrived within minutes of receiving emergency calls and found the dead suspect and other victims inside the school.
The weapon, a Maverick 88 pump-action 12-gauge shotgun, was found near the suspect along with a backpack. Investigators said three types of ammunition were used: birdshot, buckshot and slugs.
The suspect fired as many as 15 rounds, Chief Krantz said, while a further 44 rounds were recovered at the scene. The shotgun had been purchased by his mother, according to law enforcement sources.
No motive has been given. Investigators are examining the teenager’s computer, phone, social media, search history and other online activity, including whether he had an interest in violence or previous mass shootings. They stressed that the investigation remains at an early stage.
In a statement, Mr Giamanco’s family said he was “not seeking recognition” and wished to thank first responders, school staff and the wider community for their support.
