matized.

 I told him he was a hero, he did what he had to do, and that he did the right thing, and that I was proud of him and that he was a hero and he saved a lot of lives,  she said.  And he said, 'Mom, I couldn't save them all.'  

Three children and a teacher were killed in the shooting before Giamanco fatally shot the suspect, authorities said.

The shooter has since been identified by Bend police as 16-year-old Griffin J. John II. Law enforcement sources told CBS News that John used a shotgun that was bought by his mother. Police said Friday that that up to 15 rounds were fired by the suspect during the classroom shooting.

Another child and a teacher were wounded in the attack, and both remained hospitalized Friday. Both of Giamanco's children survived.

 It's tough because, well, I'm thankful that my babies are OK. There are babies that are not, and that's hard to swallow because my heart goes out to those families that didn't get to bring their babies home,  Freeman said through tears.

Giamanco's actions have drawn praise from community members and Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek, but Freeman said her son is struggling with the idea that he could not save everyone.

 He's having a hard time with it - again, the idea of not being able to save them all, right? When he closes his eyes and the things that he thinks about: 'What could I have done differently? How could I have done it better?'   Freeman said.

Freeman said she hopes people will take the tragedy as a reminder to appreciate their loved ones:  Hug your babies, love your neighbors. 

Family responds to questions about gun ownership

Shootings of this nature usually spark national discussion about gun control.

Freeman said those broader political debates are not the family's priority as they process what happened. She said Giamanco grew up hunting, has long been familiar with firearms and legally owns and carries his weapon, as many do in his community.

According to Freeman, his intention in owning a firearm was to have a way to protect his family.