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Bend, Oregon, shooter previously said he was bullied and told police he was assaulted at home
NBC News • • general
Key Points:
- Griffin John II, the 16-year-old who killed three children and a teacher at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, had a history of being assaulted, including incidents where he defended his mother and was bullied at school.
- Police records indicate John likely had a cognitive disability and special needs, with documented instances of physical abuse dating back to age 11.
- In 2022, John was assaulted by a friend of his sister, who slapped and punched him multiple times, causing a chipped tooth; John also reported being bullied at school but was hesitant to report it to avoid upsetting his mother.
- In 2025, John was physically attacked by a man involved with his mother during a domestic dispute, where John was punched repeatedly while trying to protect his mother; the assailant fled before police arrived.
- Despite these violent incidents, John and his mother chose not to pursue charges or cooperate with investigations, stating the matters had been resolved.
