A father of two pupils who intervened during a shooting at a primary school in Oregon, US, has been described as "heroic" after killing the 16-year-old gunman. Kaylub Giamanco, whose daughters attend Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, shot the teenage attacker during the rampage on Thursday.
Three children aged five, eight and 11, and a teacher, whose age has not been released, were killed in the attack. A fourth pupil, aged seven, and a 54-year-old teacher were critically injured.
Father's statement
Kenda Freeman, Giamanco's mother, said on Friday that her son intervened during Thursday's attack and shot the teenage shooter. "He is not seeking recognition, but instead wishes to express his gratitude to the first responders, school personnel and community for the outpouring of love and support," Ms Freeman said in a statement to reporters.
Ms Freeman said her son has lived in Bend all his life. The mountain city has a population of about 100,000 and is around 125 miles south-east of Portland.
Governor's praise
Police have not yet identified who shot the gunman. They said the suspect - who they have also not yet named - was found dead inside the school minutes after the shooting was first reported.
At a news conference hours after Thursday's attack, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek praised Giamanco, without naming him, for following the gunman into the school. She said he helped end the rampage and likely saved lives as police began arriving at the scene.
"To the community member who heroically intervened to stop further loss of life: Your actions carry a heavy emotional burden, and I just want you to know that my thoughts are with you as well," Kotek said.
Community reaction
Brooke Olsen, whose daughter is a pupil at Silver Rail, said she was amazed that a member of the public pursued the shooter. "I think it's miraculous that someone was there before law enforcement even arrived to stop further tragedy from happening," Olsen told The Associated Press (AP). "I'm feeling very grateful."
The 16-year-old suspect, identified only as a Bend resident, entered the school by shooting through locked doors, police said. It is unclear if the attacker had any links to the school. He used a pump-action shotgun that was purchased by his mother, a law enforcement official told AP.
Under Oregon law, a minor may possess a shotgun if it is provided by a parent or another person with the parent's consent. The shooting was the 28th mass killing in the US this year, according to a database maintained by AP and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University.
