Deschutes County Releases 911 Audio of Father Who Stopped Bend School Shooter

Key points

• Deschutes County released the 78-second 911 call made by Kaylub Giamanco on October 15, shortly before he entered Silver Rail Elementary and fatally shot the 16-year-old attacker.
• Giamanco, a 36-year-old father, told the dispatcher he had a gun and would shoot the attacker 'right now if I have to' while describing the chaos at his daughters' school.
• The shooting on October 15 killed four people: teacher Megan Lambert (25) and students Rhoam Summer (5), plus two other children (ages 8 and 11). Another teacher and a 7-year-old girl were injured.
• Teacher Cassidy Schutz was hailed as a hero for throwing her phone at the gunman and tackling him to disarm him before Giamanco arrived, an action police said 'almost certainly helped prevent more bloodshed.'
• Silver Rail Elementary remains closed through November 6 for repairs, but the district plans to reopen on November 12, with 86.2% of families indicating a preference to return.

Background

The incident occurred on October 15, 2026, when a 16-year-old former student entered Silver Rail Elementary in Bend, Oregon, and opened fire in a special needs classroom. Initial police reports described an active shooter situation, leading to a large law enforcement presence and family reunification at Journey Church. The community has since held vigils and memorials, with school officials coordinating safety measures and reopening plans.

How outlets are covering it

OPB and CBS News emphasize the raw panic and urgency in Giamanco's 911 call, highlighting his statements about shooting the attacker 'right now' and his frustration with dispatchers. KPTV focuses on the factual details of the call and the subsequent reopening plans, noting the 86.2% family preference to return. CNN centers on the heroism of teacher Cassidy Schutz, whose actions were credited with preventing further casualties, and includes Giamanco's gratitude toward her. All outlets agree on the core facts of the shooting and the release of the audio, but differ in emphasis: OPB and CBS highlight the father's perspective, while CNN spotlights the teacher's intervention.

Why it matters

The release of the 911 audio provides a real-time account of the moments before the fatal shooting, offering insight into the rapid escalation of the incident. The community's decision to reopen the school, despite the trauma, reflects a broader societal struggle to balance safety with normalcy after mass shootings. The recognition of both Giamanco and Schutz as heroes underscores the complex roles of civilians in active shooter scenarios, while the ongoing debate over school safety measures highlights the urgency of addressing gun violence in educational settings.

What to watch

Silver Rail Elementary is scheduled to reopen on November 12, 2026, with enhanced security measures including a team of eight school resource officers rotating between district schools. A community meeting is planned for November 5 to address questions about the shooting, safety protocols, and reopening plans. Legal proceedings related to the incident may follow, though no specific timeline has been announced. The district will continue to monitor family sentiment and adjust safety measures as needed.