Oregon father who stopped school shooting weighs emotional toll of rescue

For Kaylub Giamanco, the moment he stopped a mass shooting at his daughters' school in Oregon has brought both public recognition and a profound sense of loss. The 36-year-old carpenter, who fatally shot a 16-year-old former student at Silver Rail Elementary School earlier this month, has described the ongoing struggle with his mental state. He told Oregon Public Broadcasting that he now spends his nights awake after his family sleeps, constantly replaying the events of the attack.

Giamanco expressed deep sorrow over the three students and one teacher who died in the classroom. He stated that while he feels gratitude for the lives he saved, the memory of children pleading for their lives remains with him. In an interview that aired on Friday, he said he wanted to apologize for not saving more of the pupils. He described his desire to meet the victims' families and provide physical comfort during their time of grief.

The incident began when the 16-year-old attacker, identified as Griffin J John II, entered the school. Giamanco, who had decided to return home for lunch, witnessed the shooter firing at a pickup truck before moving toward the building. He retrieved a handgun from his vehicle and called emergency services before entering the school through a shattered window. He credited a teacher who had been fighting the gunman with creating the opening that allowed him to intervene without losing his own life.

Police reports indicate that six people were shot in total. Three boys, aged five, eight, and 11, were killed along with teacher Megan Lambert. Another teacher, Becky Drury, 54, was wounded while trying to secure her classroom door. The youngest victim, Rhoam Summer, was five years old. His father described the family as broken and lost following the tragedy.

The teacher who confronted the attacker, who used a phone and a tackle to slow the gunman, was praised by local police. Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz stated that her actions almost certainly prevented further casualties. Giamanco called her a true hero and expressed a wish to hug her for her bravery during the struggle.

Giamanco's identity became public less than a day after the shooting. His mother, Kenda Freeman, released a statement asking for privacy and noting that he was not seeking fame. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek also acknowledged the emotional burden of his actions, sending her thoughts to him during this difficult period.

The motive for the shooting remains under investigation. Giamanco described feeling like the last line of defense for the children that day. He noted that he had been making packed lunches for his daughters on what was school picture day, a routine that led him past the school at the critical moment. He told his wife to come to the school immediately after securing the scene and then informed his mother of the events.