By Karim Hammam
A father who fatally shot a teenager responsible for killing three students and a teacher at an Oregon elementary school told a 911 operator “I’m about to go kill this kid,” according to audio released Tuesday, November 3.
911 call captures frantic intervention
Kaylub Giamanco, 36, was driving home for lunch in October when he saw 16-year-old Griffin J. John II firing a shotgun at a pickup truck and scaling the fence of Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, where Giamanco’s daughter attends. Giamanco retrieved a .40-caliber handgun from his truck, loaded a magazine, and called 911 before entering the school grounds.
Operator urged caution
During the minute-long call, Giamanco told the operator there was “someone with a gun” at the school and said, “I have a gun and I will shoot them right now.” The operator responded, “Don’t do anything, let me get an officer there.” Giamanco grew frustrated, stating, “I’m about to go kill this kid.” Seconds later, he reported the shooter entering the building and confirmed shots were being fired. The call then ended.
Shooter killed, further loss prevented
The teen had shot through locked doors, killing three children and a teacher in a special needs classroom, critically injuring another student and hospitalizing a teacher. Giamanco entered the building, heard children “pleading for their lives,” and engaged the gunman. He fired once, causing the shooter to drop, then fired two more rounds when the gunman reached for his weapon again. Police said Giamanco’s actions prevented further loss of life at the 400-student campus.
Hero praised, but grief remains
President Donald Trump praised Giamanco as “a great hero that went in and did the business.” However, Giamanco told Oregon Public Broadcasting he was overcome with grief for the students he could not save, saying, “I want to apologize for not saving their babies.”
