The 16-year-old shooter at an elementary school in Oregon identified

By Mary McCue Bell - The Washington Times - Friday, October 16, 2026

The gunman who killed three children and a teacher at an Oregon elementary school Thursday has been identified as 16-year-old John J. Griffin.

Three senior law enforcement officials told NBC News the name. Police have not publicly named him.

The gunman was shot and killed inside Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, by a community member, Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz said.

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Police have not given a motive. They also have not said whether the gunman attended the school or knew anyone there.

A law enforcement official told the Associated Press the gunman used a pump-action shotgun purchased by his mother, but police have not confirmed the type of weapon.

Two officials told NBC News she bought it around his birthday in August.

Law enforcement sources told CBS News that investigators are examining his computer, phone, social media and search history.

Mr. Krantz said the first 911 call came at 12:59 p.m. from a driver who said someone with a long gun shot at the vehicle multiple times. Dozens of calls followed reporting a shooter inside the school.

The gunman forced his way in by shooting at locked doors, Mr. Krantz said. Police directed the school into lockdown at about 1:01 p.m.

A community member who saw the gunman enter followed him inside and shot him, Mr. Krantz said. Officers arrived about three minutes after the first call and learned the gunman was dead.

Gov. Tina Kotek credited the community member with intervening to stop further loss of life.

The gunman killed three children, ages 5, 8 and 11, and a teacher.

The family of the youngest victim identified the child as Rhoam Summer, 5. The names of the 8-year-old and 11-year-old have not been released, and police have not given the teacher’s identity.

Two others were critically injured and taken to St. Charles Bend Hospital: a 7-year-old student and a 54-year-old teacher. NBC News reported that the 7-year-old, who was shot in the face, is recovering.

Police have not named the community member who shot the gunman. His brother, Kyle Giamanco, told NBC News the man is Kaylub Giamanco, a 36-year-old carpenter and father of two girls who attend the school.

Kyle Giamanco said his brother was driving home from lunch when he heard gunshots and saw the gunman enter the building. Kaylub Giamanco has a concealed-weapon permit and decided to go in after the gunman, his brother said.