John J Griffin, a 16-year-old from Bend, Oregon, was identified as the suspect in Thursday's shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School that killed four and critically injured two
John J. Griffin, who was shot dead by a bystander, was identified by NBC News citing three senior law enforcement officials briefed on the matter. Per NBC, the shotgun that Griffin used for the shooting was purchased by his mother around the 16-year-old's birthday in August this year.
John J. Griffin's link to Silver Rail Elementary school is unclear as the investigation into the shooting continues. Griffin used a pump-action shotgun and opened fire around 12:30pm PDT Thursday. Three children - a five-year-old, an eight-year-old and an 11-year-old were killed. A seven-year-old student and a teacher were critically injured.
The bystander who fatally shot John J. Griffin was identified as Kaylub Giamanco. Giamanco, a carpenter with two daughters who attend Silver Rail Elementary School. His identity was confirmed by his brother, Kyle Giamanco, to NBC News.
How John J. Griffin Carried Out The Attack
{{/usCountry}}How John J. Griffin Carried Out The Attack
{{/usCountry}}John J. Griffin arrived at the school around 12:30pm PDT Thursday. Before entering the school compound, he fired at a truck outside the school that was left with "about seven or eight gunshot holes," according to an eyewitness who spoke to NBC News.
Griffin then shot the locked school door and opened it. He entered the school and started firing, killing three and injuring four.
The first 911 call was made around 1pm PDT, Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz said. When the police officers arrived, the 16-year-old suspect was found dead inside the school.
“Hero” bystander Kaylub Giamanco's brother said that he was carrying a concealed weapon and decided to follow Griffin inside.
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One of the victims killed was identified as 5-year-old Rhoam Summer. Kelik Summer, the mother of Rhoam, put out a statement on Facebook describing Thursday's shooting as "the worst day of my life."
"My son Rhoam was killed in a school shooting," she wrote. "We are broken and lost but are surrounded by friends and family who are keeping us safe."
The identities of the other three deceased victims are not known yet. The two injured victims are critical and are being treated.