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A father of two was commended as a hero after police said he stopped a deadly shooting rampage at his daughters’ elementary school in Bend, Oregon.
Three children and a teacher were killed after a shooter opened fire in Silver Rail Elementary School on Thursday, authorities said. Another student and teacher were injured critically, according to officials.
Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz said the 36-year-old parent saw the suspected shooter first shoot at a truck outside the building. The hero bystander then followed the teen into the building and fatally shot him inside a special needs classroom where the shooting unfolded, the chief said.
The man’s family identified him Friday as Kaylub Giamanco.
Giamanco, a lifelong Bend resident who has two daughters who attend the school, was driving nearby when he heard the commotion and ran into the school, his family said. He has a concealed carry permit, the family confirmed.
His family described Giamanco as thoughtful and empathetic, and said he is overwhelmed and regrets not being able to save more lives.
“He is not seeking recognition, but instead wishes to express his gratitude to the first responders, school personnel, and community for the outpouring of love and support,” the family said in a statement to News.
His family “respectfully asks for privacy during this difficult time and will not be participating in interviews,” the statement added.
Officials praised Giamanco’s swift action to pursue and take down the shooting suspect.
“I don’t think we can underestimate or underappreciate that courage,” Krantz said during a press briefing on Friday. “When someone is willing to risk their own life for others, we recognize that. And the quick thinking to observe, to then park and follow someone into the school is incredible and undoubtedly saved people.”
President Donald Trump on Friday praised him as “a great hero” while addressing reporters outside the White House.
“He took care of business, and thank God we had him. Otherwise it would have been much worse,” the president said.
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek said he “heroically intervened to stop further loss of life.”
The family of 25-year-old teacher Megan Lambert, one of the victims killed in the shooting, also recognized Giamanco’s heroism and extended their gratitude.
“We know he is going through a rough time, but we are grateful and we think he is a hero,” the family said in a statement read on their behalf during Friday’s press briefing. “You selflessly put yourself at risk for others.”
Police commended another teacher who they said threw her cellphone at the shooter after he entered the special needs classroom.
Chief Krantz said the teacher then “tackled him and fought to take the firearm from him,” and that she “almost certainly helped prevent more bloodshed.”
The police chief did not identify the teacher, and noted that she was uninjured.
“The teacher who is willing to stand and fight for her children — incredible. And I think we all recognize that that is true heroism,” he said. “We don’t see that a lot in society, and we recognize it when we when we need to, and our community appreciates it.”
News’ Nicholas Kerr contributed to this report.
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