A teenage gunman opened fire Thursday at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, killing four people, including three children and a teacher, before being fatally shot by a bystander. The attacker was identified as 16-year-old John J. Griffin II, a former student at the school.

The shooting occurred shortly after 1 p.m. when Griffin forced his way past locked vestibule doors designed to protect students and staff. He was armed with a pump-action shotgun, which was reportedly purchased by his mother. Police officials noted the weapon had been legally obtained under Oregon law, which allows minors to possess shotguns if provided by a parent or guardian.

During the incident, Griffin fired as many as 15 rounds inside the elementary school. The children killed were aged five, eight, and 11 years old, and the deceased teacher was 54. Another seven-year-old student, who uses a wheelchair, and a 54-year-old teacher were critically wounded and hospitalized. The teacher was later identified as Becky Drury, who underwent surgery for injuries sustained to her left arm and right hand.

The shooting began when a truck driver in the school parking lot spotted Griffin carrying the shotgun and confronted him. Griffin fired at the truck, shattering a window and leaving multiple bullet holes in the vehicle. He then threw the shotgun over a school fence before climbing inside.

A key moment came when Kaylub Giamanco, a 36-year-old carpenter and father of two Silver Rail students, heard the gunfire and pursued the gunman inside the school. Giamanco, who holds a concealed carry permit, shot and killed Griffin, an act that officials and community members have called heroic. Giamanco's mother later stated that he does not seek recognition and is grateful for the support from first responders and the community.

Authorities also praised the actions of a teacher who reportedly threw her phone at Griffin and engaged him physically, potentially preventing further casualties. Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz described her actions as "heroic" and confirmed that Griffin was found dead inside the school minutes after the first emergency calls.

The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and investigators continue to examine how Griffin obtained the firearm. Community members gathered at a candlelight vigil near the school, expressing grief and support for the victims’ families.

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek acknowledged the emotional toll on all involved and extended her sympathies. At the White House, President Donald Trump described Giamanco as a “great hero” whose swift actions undoubtedly prevented greater loss of life. The tragedy has renewed conversations around school safety and gun control as questions linger about how the attack was able to occur despite security measures.