John J. Griffin II was identified as the accused school shooter in Bend, Oregon.
The suspect’s name was published by NBC News based on anonymous law enforcement sources. The suspect died at the scene, and authorities have not formally named him. NBC News said it was basing the identification on three senior law enforcement sources. Griffin was only 16 years old. The New York Post also identified the gunman as Griffin and reported that he was a former student at the school.
The mass shooting unfolded at Silver Rail Elementary School on October 15, 2026.
Here’s what you need to know about John J. Griffin II:
1. An ‘Armed Bystander’ Shot John Griffin II
According to Bend police, an armed bystander shot the suspect. When police arrived, they discovered that the suspect may have been neutralized by another person, a police spokeswoman said in a news conference.
The heroic bystander was the father of a child at the school, according to The New York Times.
The Times identified the bystander as Kaylub Giamanco. The bystander has two girls who attend the school, added The Post.
2. John J. Griffin II’s Mom Is Accused of Buying the Shotgun
NBC News reported that authorities believe Griffin’s mother purchased the long gun. The Times described the firearm as a Maverick 88, a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun.
However, The Post reported that the gunman’s family is cooperating with police, who were executing search warrants at their home for computers. There is no implication that the mother or any other family member knew anything about the shooting; family members have not been accused of wrongdoing.
3. The Accused Gunman’s Mom Told a Local Television Station That He Had ‘Special Needs’
According to The Times, when Griffin was 10 years old, his mom spoke to NewsChannel21 and revealed that he “had special needs and was looking forward to returning to the classroom following Covid-19 school closures.”
“I think it will be great,” she told NewsChannel21, saying she wasn’t certified to teach a special needs kid herself.
The suspect shot into a car before entering the school, Bend police said in an initial briefing, adding that authorities were at the scene in three minutes.
4. Three Kids & a Teacher Lost Their Lives in the Attack
There were four victims who died in the attack, authorities said in their first news conference. According to The Times, the children who died were ages 5, 8 and 11. Rhoam Summer was named by The Post as the 5-year-old victim. The other victims’ names have not been released.
A teacher was the fourth deceased victim. In addition, according to The Times, another teacher and a 7-year-old child suffered critical injuries.
5. The Gunman’s Motive Is Not Clear
Authorities have not released a motive for the gunman.
John J. Griffin II, Accused Bend, Oregon Shooter: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know