Teenager Kills Four at Silver Rail Elementary School, Police Say

A 16-year-old former student armed with a shotgun opened fire in a special education classroom at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, killing three children and a teacher before being fatally shot by an armed bystander on Thursday, October 15, 2026.

Griffin J. John II Identified as Gunman in Silver Rail Elementary School Attack

Authorities said the suspect, who was a former special needs student at Silver Rail Elementary School, approached the campus on foot around 1 p.m. Thursday, threw his weapon over a chain-link fence, and climbed over himself. The teenager who carried out the shooting was identified by Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz as 16-year-old Griffin J. John II.

Investigators stated that the attacker used a Maverick 88 pump-action 12-gauge shotgun that had been legally purchased by his mother, Shauntai Nickerson, around the time of his August birthday.

Before entering the building, John fired at a passing pickup truck, striking the vehicle at least three times as the driver sped away to call 911.

After being confronted by bystanders at the front entrance, John ran to the back of the school, where he blasted through the locked doors. He walked directly into a special education room and opened fire, discharging as many as 15 rounds.

Police found an additional 44 rounds of ammunition in his possession when he was killed.

Rhoam Summer, Megan Lambert, and Two Older Children Among Four Dead

Two other children, ages 8 and 11, were also killed in the classroom. Authorities released the names of two victims on Friday: 5-year-old student Rhoam Summer and 25-year-old teacher Meghan Lambert, a native central Oregonian.

Two other individuals sustained critical injuries during the rampage: a 7-year-old student and a 54-year-old teacher.

“When violence happens in one of our schools, it reaches far beyond that building,” the group’s president, Sarah Barclay, wrote on social media. “It affects our families, our colleagues, and communities across our country. Every student and every person who works in our schools deserves to be safe.”

Sarah Barclay, president

Kaylub Giamanco and School Staff Intervene to Halt the Rampage

Kaylub Giamanco, a 36-year-old carpenter and father of two students at Silver Rail, witnessed the initial shots fired at the pickup truck, drove into the school parking lot, followed the gunman inside, and fatally shot him. Law enforcement and city officials credited quick-thinking adults with preventing a higher death toll.

Police did not initially name Giamanco, but his family released a statement confirming his identity and noting that he was not seeking public recognition. President Donald Trump praised Giamanco during remarks outside the White House, calling him a great hero who took care of business.

Superintendent Steven Cook also commended a staff member in the classroom who fought to protect the children and slowed the attacker’s advance.

When someone is willing to risk their own life for others, we recognize that. And the quick thinking to … follow someone into the school is incredible, and undoubtedly saved people.

Mike Krantz, Bend Police Chief

Federal Investigation and Legislative Debates Follow the Tragedy

FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that his agency is assisting local police with the probe. Federal and local agencies are examining the suspect’s computer, phone, social media history, and search logs to determine a motive and investigate any potential obsession with prior mass shootings.

Oregon Senator Ron Wyden renewed calls for federal gun restrictions, stating that the best way to honor these victims is to at long last pass common-sense gun laws. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek issued statements thanking first responders and expressing support for the community and the bystander facing a heavy emotional toll.

Classes across the Bend-La Pine School District were canceled following the attack.