Crime
UW-Platteville shelter in place lifted, no active threat
This incident was a targeted and isolated event between the two individuals.
Latest Update: In an email to the campus community, Chancellor Dr. Tammy Evetovich identified the students as 22-year-old Kelsie Martin of Beloit, Wisconsin, and 22-year-old Hallie Helms of Baraboo, Wisconsin.
“It is with deep sadness that we mourn the loss of two UW-Platteville students, Kelsie Martin and Hallie Helms. This incident was a targeted and isolated event between the two individuals. Families of the students have been notified,” Chancellor Evetovich stated.
The incident occurred inside Wilgus Hall, a campus residence facility. UW-Platteville and local law enforcement have not yet released further details about the nature of the incident, but authorities have confirmed that it remains an active and ongoing investigation.
Officials have emphasized that there is no continuing threat to the campus community.
According to a post on Wilgus Hall’s official Facebook page, Kelsie Martin had graduated just two days prior and served as a resident director in 2024.
In response to the tragedy, the university has made mental health resources available for students and staff. UW-Platteville’s Counseling Services will offer triage counseling sessions Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Additionally, a toll-free emotional support line is available at 844-602-6680 or 720-272-0004, staffed by licensed mental health professionals. The hotline will remain open overnight and will adjust its hours based on campus needs.
The university community continues to grieve as it seeks answers surrounding this devastating loss.
The shelter-in-place order has been lifted, and law enforcement has confirmed there is no active threat. However, emergency responders remain on scene, and the public is advised to continue avoiding the area around Wilgus Hall.
A UW-Platteville spokesperson stated via text that “an incident occurred in one of our residence halls.” Although the active threat has been ruled out, authorities are continuing to systematically clear buildings across campus as a precaution.
Grant County coroner called to scene.
PLATTEVILLE, Wis. — An emergency situation unfolded Monday afternoon at the University of Wisconsin–Platteville, prompting a shelter-in-place order for students, faculty, and staff.
The nature of the incident remains unclear, though multiple unconfirmed reports suggest a possible active shooter on campus.
Students and staff received an emergency alert via mobile devices instructing them to immediately shelter in place and avoid the campus area.
The alert, distributed through the university’s emergency notification system, advised individuals to remain indoors, lock doors, and await further instructions from authorities.
The Platteville Police Department has confirmed that officers have responded to the university and are currently on scene.
As of this time, there has been no official confirmation from law enforcement regarding the presence of an active shooter or any confirmed injuries.
Emily Mlinar reported that her sister is currently on campus. The initial emergency call indicated a student had sustained a gunshot wound to the head. There are unconfirmed reports suggesting up to three possible casualties.
Law enforcement officials are actively investigating the situation, and university officials are working closely with emergency personnel to ensure the safety of the campus community.
The University of Wisconsin–Platteville has urged anyone not already on campus to stay away until the all-clear is given.
Additional updates are expected to be provided as more information becomes available.
This is a developing story. Authorities are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact Platteville Police Department immediately.
Crime
Kaylub Giamanco Identified as “Good Samaritan” Bystander Who Stopped Silver Rail Elementary School Shooter in Bend, Oregon
BEND, Oregon — Kaylub Giamanco has been identified as the bystander who reportedly confronted and shot the teenage suspect during the deadly shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, on Thursday, October 15, 2026, Channel2 NOW has learned.
According to the family member who spoke with Channel2 NOW, Giamanco was returning home during his lunch break when he encountered the unfolding emergency near the school.
Giamanco reportedly lives just up the road from the elementary school, where his two daughters attend classes.
After hearing gunshots and seeing the suspected shooter moving toward or entering the school building, he allegedly rushed toward the scene because his children (daughters) were inside.
His reported actions have prompted praise from people describing him as a hero who acted out of concern for the safety of students and staff.
Some have said he deserves a medal for his actions.
Preliminary accounts provided for this report indicate that the suspected shooter was a 16-year-old Bend resident who allegedly used a shotgun during the attack. Early reports suggested that a bystander intervened and shot the suspect, who subsequently died.
Investigators are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the suspect’s death as part of the broader investigation.
The shooting triggered a major emergency response in Bend on Thursday afternoon.
Preliminary information indicated that four victims—three children and one adult—were killed. The 16-year-old suspected shooter was also reported dead, bringing the reported death toll to five.
Rhoam Summer, 5, was identified in the supplied reports as the first named victim.
The other children who reportedly died were described as ages 8 and 11, while the adult victim was identified in preliminary accounts as a teacher. Their identities and the final casualty figures should be confirmed by law enforcement or the appropriate authorities before publication as definitive facts.
Two additional people were reportedly transported for medical treatment in critical condition: a 7-year-old child and a 54-year-old teacher.
The deaths and reported injuries have left the school community facing an immense tragedy, with families awaiting reliable information about their children and loved ones.
Bend police issued an active-shooter alert at approximately 1:17 p.m. Thursday, warning the public about a major law enforcement response at Silver Rail Elementary School and urging people to avoid the surrounding area.
Police, firefighters and emergency medical personnel responded to the campus. Nearby schools, including Caldera High School and Jewell Elementary, were reportedly placed under lockdown as a precaution while emergency personnel worked to address the situation.
Authorities also established a family reunification location at Journey Church, at 61303 S Highway 97, near Goodwill and Dairy Queen. Parents and guardians were directed to the designated site to reconnect with students and receive information.
Although Giamanco has been described in the supplied account as the bystander who stopped the suspect, the details have not been independently verified for this report. The suspect’s death, the bystander’s role, the identities of all victims and the reported casualty figures should be attributed to official sources once confirmed.
The incident has renewed attention to the extraordinary decisions people may face during emergencies, particularly when children and school staff are in danger. Giamanco’s reported decision to act because his daughters attended the school has prompted expressions of gratitude and calls for formal recognition.
Above all, the tragedy has left families and the Bend community mourning the reported loss of young lives and an adult educator. The focus remains on supporting those affected, confirming the facts and allowing investigators to establish exactly what happened.