Authorities release 911 call from the man who killed a shooter inside an Oregon elementary school

As the sun dipped below the horizon on a chilly October evening, the community of Bend, Oregon, gathered outside Silver Rail Elementary School to mourn. Flowers, candles, and heartfelt notes formed a makeshift memorial for the lives lost in a tragic shooting that shook this small town to its core. Just weeks earlier, on October 15, 2026, chaos erupted when a 16-year-old armed with a shotgun entered the school, leaving four dead and several others injured. In the midst of this horror, one father’s desperate actions would alter the course of the day.

What Happened

The harrowing events unfolded when Griffin J. John II, the shooter, managed to breach the school’s locked doors, targeting a classroom filled with young children. In the chaos, he killed three students aged 5, 8, and 11, and a dedicated teacher, before a courageous father intervened. Kaylub Giamanco, whose daughter attended the school, was driving home for lunch when he spotted the shooter. A frantic 911 call captured his urgency as he informed the operator: “I have a gun and I will shoot them right now.”

The operator, clearly alarmed, urged him not to take action. However, Giamanco’s frustration boiled over as he insisted, “I’m about to go kill this kid.” Moments later, the operator asked if the shooter was firing, to which Giamanco replied affirmatively. The call abruptly ended, leaving the operator scrambling for details as Giamanco rushed toward the school.

Upon his arrival, Giamanco witnessed a teacher heroically confronting the shooter. Cassidy Schutz, a certified learning specialist, had thrown her phone at John in a desperate attempt to stop him. She tackled him, struggling for control of the weapon, and her actions bought Giamanco the precious seconds needed to intervene. “She was a real true hero,” he reflected, crediting her bravery for giving him the opportunity to act.

The Aftermath

In the wake of the shooting, the community of Bend rallied around the victims’ families. The impact of the tragedy rippled through the town, leaving parents, students, and teachers grappling with grief and fear. Cassidy Schutz shared her heart-wrenching statement, expressing her sorrow for the lives lost and the families affected. “This is not a story. This is a horrific and heartbreaking tragedy, and it is our real lives,” she wrote. Her words echoed the sentiments of many in the community who felt the weight of the loss.

Becky Drury, another teacher in the classroom, described her own harrowing experience. She attempted to shield her students but was shot at close range, leaving her injured and unable to protect the children. “Before I could do anything more, he shot me at close range and I fell to the ground,” she recounted. Drury pretended to be dead, hoping to escape further harm. Her injuries serve as a stark reminder of the violence that erupted that day.

As the community mourned, the need for healing and support became paramount. Local organizations, including the Bend Parks and Recreation and Bend-La Pine Schools, stepped in to provide resources for counseling and support groups for those affected by the tragedy.

Community Support

In the days following the shooting, the outpouring of support for the victims’ families was overwhelming. Community members organized vigils, fundraisers, and support networks to help those in need. Local businesses donated to relief efforts, and residents opened their homes to those affected. The sense of unity in Bend was palpable as neighbors came together to lift each other up during this difficult time.

As Giamanco reflected on the day’s events, he expressed deep regret for not arriving sooner to save the lives of the children and teacher. In an interview with Oregon Public Broadcasting, he stated, “I felt like I was the last line of defense between him and the rest of the children.” His actions, while undeniably heroic, came with the heavy burden of knowing that lives had already been lost.

Lessons Learned

The tragedy at Silver Rail Elementary has sparked conversations about school safety and the need for proactive measures to prevent such incidents in the future. Parents and educators are calling for increased security protocols and mental health resources to ensure students can learn in a safe environment. The Bend community is advocating for change, urging local leaders to prioritize the safety and well-being of children.

In the aftermath, the Bend-La Pine School District has announced plans to review safety measures in all schools. Superintendent Dr. Stephen Cook emphasized the importance of creating a secure learning environment. “We must ensure our schools are safe havens for our students,” he stated. “We owe it to our children and their families to take every precaution necessary.”

As the investigation continues, the community remains vigilant, seeking answers and accountability. The tragic events of that day serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of community solidarity in times of crisis.

What's Next

Looking ahead, the community of Bend is focused on healing and rebuilding. Support groups and counseling services are being established to help those affected process their grief and trauma. Local churches and faith-based organizations are stepping up to provide spiritual support and guidance during this challenging time.

In a statement, Giamanco expressed his commitment to advocating for change in the wake of the tragedy. “We need to come together as a community to ensure this never happens again,” he said. His determination to honor the memory of the victims by pushing for meaningful reforms resonates with many in Bend.

As the community navigates this difficult path forward, it is essential to remember the lives lost and the heroes who emerged that day. The story of Cassidy Schutz and Kaylub Giamanco serves as a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.

In the coming months, the town will continue to heal, but the scars of that tragic day will remain. Through unity, compassion, and a commitment to change, Bend can emerge stronger, ensuring that the memory of those lost is never forgotten.