Kaylub Giamanco was driving home from lunch Thursday afternoon when he heard gunshots and saw a gunman entering the Oregon elementary school his two young daughters attend. The 36-year-old carpenter ran into the school, shooting and killing the teenage suspect.
Kyle Giamanco identified his brother as the bystander and recounted what he was told happened to NBC News on Friday.
Officials have not named the community member, but said the person’s actions prevented further loss at Silver Rail Elementary School.
Kyle Giamanco said his brother told him he was headed home after grabbing a bite to eat when he saw the gunman entering the school. Police have said that the suspect, identified by three senior law enforcement officials as John J. Griffin, 16, gained entry to the building by firing through locked doors.
Two of the officials said the gun used in the shooting was purchased by the suspect’s mother around the time of his birthday in August.
Kyle Giamanco said his brother has a concealed weapon “and decided to go in after” the shooter. Kyle Giamanco and several parents told NBC News that the shooting happened in a special education room.
A teacher and three children, ages 5, 8, and 11, were killed. Two other people, a 7-year-old and another teacher, were critically injured at the Bend, Oregon, school.
Kyle Giamanco said his brother is a hero, but said Kaylub Giamanco does not want to speak out right now because he feels guilty that he could not save more children.
The names of those killed and injured have not been released.
One parent recalled getting an automated phone call from the school about a lockdown, followed by a text message from her son saying that there had been a shooting.
“Mom there was a school shooting we’re ok tho,” the 5th grader wrote.
Jenn Johnston said she and her husband rushed to the school but were rerouted to a nearby church. They waited hours with few updates from police or school officials before she was reunited with her son.
“My son came running to me in tears,” she said.
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