On Oct. 15, a 16‑year‑old entered Silver Rail Elementary in Bend, Oregon, brandishing a shotgun and killing three children and an adult. Kaylub Giamanco, a father of two students, responded immediately, entered the building, and stopped the shooter, according to police and his family.
How Giamanco Confronted the Threat
Giamanco described crawling under a window and slipping through a shot‑out lower window so the shooter would not see him. When he realized the attacker was in a special‑needs classroom, he prepared his handgun by racking the slide a second time and ejecting a live round to be certain a round was chambered. Gun‑rights attorney Guy Relford, speaking on the 93.1 WIBC “Gun Guy Show,” said this extra check was “fascinating” and went beyond the typical “press check” taught in training.
After the first shot, Giamanco continued to monitor the shooter. When the teenager fumbled for his shotgun, Giamanco fired two additional rounds, then lowered his weapon and raised his hands as police arrived, ensuring officers would not mistake him for a threat.
Legal Context of Armed Self‑Defense
Relford emphasized that in Oregon, Indiana and virtually every state, citizens may use reasonable force, including deadly force, to protect themselves or a third person from serious bodily injury or death. He pushed back against commenters who claim a shooter cannot be shot if they are unaware of the defender’s presence, noting that the law does not require the attacker to see the defender before force is justified.
Comparisons to Other Heroic Defenders
Relford compared Giamanco to Elisjsha Dicken, the teenager who stopped the Greenwood Park Mall shooter in 2022 without formal training. “Sometimes heroes just arise,” Relford said, underscoring that ordinary citizens can act decisively when faced with violent threats.
The incident has sparked discussion among local residents about the role of armed civilians in schools and the importance of responsible gun ownership. While some community members express concern over firearms on school grounds, others point to Giamanco’s actions as a clear example of lawful self‑defense that saved lives.
Community Response
School officials and local law‑enforcement praised Giamanco’s quick thinking and adherence to safety protocols. The Bend Police Department confirmed that the father’s actions were in line with state self‑defense statutes and that the investigation remains ongoing regarding the shooter’s motives and background.
As the community mourns the tragic loss of four lives, many families are calling for continued dialogue on how to balance safety, parental rights, and responsible firearm training in schools.
Original reporting: 93.1 WIBC (Indianapolis) — read the source article.
