Crime
George Isbell Jr arrested and charged federally for threatening to kill Benny Johnson
TAMPA, Fla. — The U.S. Department of Justice announced that George Russell Isbell Jr., 69, of San Diego, California, has been charged with mailing a threatening communication following an investigation led by federal and local law enforcement agencies.
Isbell was arrested on October 7 in San Diego and is currently in federal custody pending court proceedings.
According to the criminal complaint, on or about September 18, Isbell allegedly mailed a letter from San Diego to a media personality in Tampa, Florida, containing explicit and violent threats.
The correspondence reportedly stated that the victim “needed to be exterminated” and included disturbing references to the recent killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk during a public event on a college campus.
The letter further contained graphic language expressing a desire for violence, including statements such as, “Maybe someone will blow your head off! We can hope! Planning any public engagements? Love to see your head explode and your blood stain the concrete red.”
If convicted, Isbell faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison. Sentencing will be determined by a federal judge following consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi commended the coordinated effort that led to Isbell’s arrest, stating:
“Thanks to the incredible teamwork between state, local, and federal law enforcement, this coward hiding behind a keyboard was taken into custody and charged federally for mailing threatening communications. We cannot allow this political violence to continue any longer. This arrest will serve as a reminder to many — do not do this, we will find you and bring you to justice.”
FBI Director Kash Patel reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to combating threats of violence, noting:
“The FBI and our partners will not tolerate threats of violence like the kind allegedly made by the defendant about a media personality. We will continue to investigate, pursue, and find those responsible for this conduct and ensure such criminals are held to full account in our justice system.”
U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida emphasized the seriousness of the case, stating:
“Unfortunately, a rise in political threats has been accompanied by a rise in political violence. We take all threats of violence seriously and will continue to respond in close coordination with our law enforcement partners and prosecute the authors of such threatening communications.”
The investigation was conducted by the FBI Tampa Field Office and the Tampa Police Department, with assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Additional support was provided by the FBI San Diego Field Office, the San Diego Police Department, and the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office.
The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Wheeler III for the Middle District of Florida.
Officials remind the public that a criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Crime
Who Is the Hero Teacher, Threw a Phone at Gunman John J. Griffin II, Tackled Him, and Fought Back During the Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting?
Another Unamed Hero in Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting: Teacher throwing phone at gunman Griffin J. John II who attacked , tackling him and fighting him.
Anyone Know Her Name? She Must Be Praised Just Like Kaylub Giamanco
BEND, Oregon — Becky Drury, a 54-year-old teacher at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, sustained serious injuries during the deadly school shooting on Thursday, October 15, 2026. Drury suffered gunshot wounds to her left arm and right hand and underwent surgery, according to the information shared about the incident.
As Drury begins what could be a lengthy recovery, new details have also emerged about the reported actions of another teacher who allegedly confronted the gunman during the attack. According to the account attributed to Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz during a press conference, the unidentified teacher threw a phone at the suspect, tackled him, and fought back.
The teacher reportedly escaped the confrontation without physical injuries. Officials were said to have clarified that earlier information suggesting the teacher had been injured was incorrect.
Drury was among those injured in the shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School. She sustained injuries to her left arm and right hand and required surgery.
Although the injuries were described as serious, the information provided indicates that she survived the operation. Her recovery may involve additional medical treatment, rehabilitation, and emotional support as she works to recover from the traumatic experience.
Her family, colleagues, students, and community members are hoping for her continued improvement and a successful recovery.
The shooting has left the school community dealing with grief, fear, and uncertainty. For those injured, the challenges extend beyond immediate medical care, as they and their loved ones face the psychological and emotional consequences of the violence.
Additional details attributed to Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz describe the actions of another Silver Rail Elementary School teacher who reportedly confronted the gunman during the attack.
According to the account provided, the unidentified teacher threw a phone at the suspect, tackled him, and physically fought back. The teacher was reportedly not injured, contrary to earlier information about the confrontation.
The teacher’s reported actions have drawn attention because confronting an armed attacker can involve extraordinary personal risk. However, the precise sequence of events and the extent to which the confrontation affected the outcome should be established through official statements and investigative findings.
The teacher’s identity has not been provided in the supplied information. Protecting that person’s privacy may be particularly important while the school community and those directly involved continue to process the incident.
The supplied account also identifies Kaylub Giamanco as the person who reportedly shot and killed the suspect during the incident.
The suspect has been identified in earlier reports as John J. Griffin II, a 16-year-old. However, the exact spelling and order of the suspect’s name should be confirmed against official law enforcement records before publication.
The reported intervention by Giamanco and the actions attributed to the unidentified teacher are separate aspects of the developing account. Their precise roles and the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s death should be described using verified statements from investigators.
As Becky Drury faces recovery, messages of support and prayers are being shared for her and everyone affected by the shooting.
Teachers and school staff often play a central role in supporting children, particularly during frightening and uncertain situations. The reported actions of Drury’s colleague have prompted expressions of appreciation, although the full circumstances should be confirmed before drawing definitive conclusions about what happened.
The emotional impact of a school shooting can continue long after the immediate danger has passed. Survivors, families, students, educators, and first responders may need access to counseling, mental health resources, and other forms of assistance.
Community support may also help families and injured staff members manage medical costs, time away from work, and other practical challenges during recovery.
The Silver Rail Elementary School shooting has left the Bend community confronting profound loss and uncertainty. As families mourn those who died, attention is also turning to the survivors who must navigate the difficult process of healing.
Becky Drury’s recovery remains an important concern for her loved ones and colleagues. The unidentified teacher who reportedly confronted the gunman may also need emotional support after experiencing such a traumatic event, even without physical injuries.
Prayers and support are being extended to Becky Drury, her family, the teacher who reportedly intervened, and every student, family, and staff member affected by the tragedy.