Hero Father Saves Lives in Bend School Shooting, President Trump Praises Bravery

By Gregory Deffenbaugh

Originally Published: October 16, 2026 12:04 pm

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Kaylub Giamanco, a 36-year-old carpenter with a concealed carry permit, intervened during a shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School after witnessing a gunman enter the building. His brother, Kyle Giamanco, confirmed the details of the intervention.

Giamanco was driving home for a lunch break when he heard gunshots and saw the suspect enter the building. He went inside after the gunman, who had entered a special education classroom.

Kyle Giamanco stated that his family is friends with the family of a 7-year-old child who was injured in the classroom. The child, who uses a wheelchair, was shot in the face and underwent surgery. “She had surgery last night and is hopefully going to be okay but not out of the woods,” Kyle Giamanco said.

Giamanco's brother says his brother struggles to view himself as a hero. “Part of the reason that Kaylub does not want to speak out right now is because he doesn't feel like he is one,” Kyle Giamanco said, adding that his brother “can't get the children out of his head and feels guilty he didn't save more people.”