Teenage shooter at Oregon elementary school kills 3 children, teacher

The following story contains distressing content related to violence. Reader discretion is advised. 

Three children and a teacher were killed and two others critically injured Oct. 15 when a teenage gunman opened fire at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, police said. The shooter was killed by a bystander identified as a father whose daughters attend the school. 

The children were 5, 8, and 11 years old. A 7-year-old child and a second teacher were critically injured, according to an Oct. 16 report from NBC News. Law enforcement officials identified the gunman to the outlet as John Griffin, a 16-year-old Bend resident. 

One of the children killed has been identified by his family as Rhoam Summer, 5. The identities of the other victims have not been made public. 

The injured 7-year-old, who uses a wheelchair, is recovering after undergoing surgery following a gunshot wound to the face, NBC News reported.

Archbishop Alexander Sample of Portland offered prayers and assured the families of the Church’s support in an Oct. 15 statement.

“My heart aches for the children, parents, and families of Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon. No family should ever have to experience such fear and heartbreak,” Archbishop Sample said.

He also prayed for those who died and the families mourning them.

“Please know that you are not alone. I hold you close in prayer, and the Church stands with you in this time of sorrow. We entrust those who have died to the loving mercy of Jesus Christ. May He embrace the grieving families and bring comfort to all who are suffering,” he said.

According to NBC News, 36-year-old Kaylub Giamanco, whose two daughters attend Silver Rail, was driving home for lunch but stopped his truck after seeing Griffin toss a firearm over a fence and jump into the school’s playground. When Giamanco called out to ask what he was doing, Griffin turned and fired at the truck before continuing toward the school, prompting Giamanco to call 911.

Police received the first emergency call at 12:59 p.m., followed by reports of a gunman inside the school, Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz said, according to ABC News. He said preliminary findings indicated that the teen, armed with a “long gun,” had “forced” his way inside by firing at locked doors.

Giamanco, who was concealed carrying, followed the gunman inside, confronted him, and fatally shot him, Krantz said. 

Giamanco has been reluctant to speak publicly because he continues to think about the children and feels guilty that he could not save more lives, his brother told NBC News.

President Donald Trump told reporters Oct. 16 that Giamanco was “a great hero.”

“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,” Trump said.

Two law enforcement officials told NBC News that Griffin’s mother had purchased the gun in August. The gunman’s motive and any connection to the school remain under investigation. CNN reported Oct. 16 that authorities are searching Griffin’s home.

Hundreds of residents gathered the evening of Oct. 15 for a candlelight prayer vigil at a community park, according to Oregon Public Broadcasting. The vigil brought residents together for hymns and prayers, with local pastors praying over grieving families.

Archbishop James Golka of Denver, Colorado, joined Archbishop Sample in praying for those grieving. 

“I am holding the families in Bend, Oregon, close in prayer. The Church stands with you in love,” he said. “May Jesus receive those killed into his mercy, comfort grieving families and heal the wounded. May our Blessed Mother intercede for all who are suffering.”

The Bend-La Pine school district canceled classes, activities, and sporting events Oct. 16, NBC News reported.

Krantz said police would continue their work at Silver Rail.

He said, “We will have a large police presence at Silver Rail Elementary School for the next several days as our officers continue to conduct a very thorough investigation so we get all the answers.”

This is a developing story.