Meghan Lambert, 25, was shot dead at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, on Thursday afternoon when Griffin John II, 16, allegedly carried out the attack. The assault also claimed the lives of three children, aged five, eight and 11.
In remembrance, her relatives said Ms Lambert was a humorous and nurturing individual who "always fought for the underdog and those with special needs". "Meghan loved those children," they said, noting that her position at Silver Rail was her "dream job".
'Compassionate' teacher killed
Her relatives said she was "compassionate and had a huge heart", remarking that she had long aspired to teach in the district where she was raised. She lost her life before the assailant was subdued through the brave actions of a colleague, who wrestled him to the floor, and a passing driver carrying a pistol who stepped in after seeing the incident develop.
Bryan Jolly, grandfather of five-year-old Rhoam Summer, said the household were reeling from his grandson's death, characterising the youngster as "very bright and very mischievous and very fun-loving, and totally without fear." He told the New York Times: "The whole thing is senseless, and a shock."
The assault also claimed the lives of an eight-year-old and an 11-year-old, whose identities have not been publicly disclosed, according to police. A 54-year-old teacher and a seven-year-old pupil are currently receiving hospital treatment following the attack. The child's condition is reported as serious but stable.
Police identify suspect
Authorities have identified Griffin J John II, 16, a pupil with special educational needs at the school, as the prime suspect in the shooting. Investigators are currently searching his property as they attempt to establish how he obtained the firearm.
Police Chief Krantz has praised a teacher and a parent who intervened to halt the attack, stating that her courageous actions in wrestling with the teenager had "almost certainly helped prevent more bloodshed". Neither sustained any injuries. The teacher reportedly hurled her mobile phone at the gunman before bringing him to the ground. As the pair grappled on the classroom floor, an armed bystander carrying a pistol stormed in and shot the attacker.
The bystander, believed to be a father of two girls enrolled at the school, had been driving past when he spotted the suspect opening fire in the school car park before shooting through a window to gain entry to the building.
Ammunition discovered following the incident
Officers recovered a further 44 rounds of shotgun ammunition from the shooter upon his arrest. "To the people who showed courage in the face of such violence and intervened to prevent this tragedy from being any worse, we owe you a debt of gratitude," said Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz.
