Oregon School Shooting Gun Was Birthday Gift from Mother
Gun used in Oregon school shooting was a birthday gift from the shooter’s mother, authorities reveal.
2 min read
On October 15, a 16-year-old shooter killed three children and a teacher at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, before being fatally shot by a bystander. The weapon used in the attack, a Maverick 88 pump-action 12-gauge shotgun, was a birthday gift from the shooter’s mother, according to multiple sources.
The gun was legally purchased in August 2026 by Shauntai Nickerson, the mother of Griffin J. John II, and was intended for recreational use, as reported by CBS. On the day of the shooting, John initially fired at a passing pickup truck, prompting the driver to make the first 911 call. He then forced his way into the school by shooting the glass panes of a set of double doors, according to police.
Inside the school, the shooter entered the first classroom to the left of the glass doors and killed all four victims, including a 5-year-old, an 8-year-old, an 11-year-old, and 25-year-old teacher Megan Lambert. Two others were wounded, a 7-year-old girl and a 54-year-old teacher. The assailant was eventually shot and killed by 36-year-old Kaylub Giamanco, a Bend resident and father of two students at the school.
Authorities have confirmed that the suspect was a former student of Silver Rail Elementary and reportedly had “special needs.” No motive for the attack has been determined yet. Bend police stated that evidence collection at the school should be completed by the end of the day, after which control of the building will return to the school district. Investigators are also examining the attacker’s computer, phone, social media, and search history to find potential clues about the motive.
The incident has sparked renewed discussions about gun control and school safety in the region. While no official statement has been made regarding the shooter’s mental health or prior behavior, the case has drawn attention to the need for comprehensive background checks and support systems for students with special needs.
Source: OANN
