PERRY, Iowa (AP) — Last week, tragedy struck Perry High School in Perry, Iowa when a 17-year-old student opened fire, killing a sixth grader and injuring seven others. The shooter, Dylan Butler, ended his own life after the rampage. Authorities and the community were left reeling from the devastating event.
The parents of the shooter, Jack and Erin Butler, expressed their shock and grief in a statement, mentioning that they had no prior knowledge of their son’s intentions. They are fully cooperating with the investigation, seeking answers and grappling with the profound impact of the incident.
Perry High School Principal Dan Marburger was critically injured in the shooting, which also left two staff members and four students wounded. The incident has prompted the cancellation of classes across the school district, as the community comes together to mourn and offer support.
The shooting, which took place on the first day of classes after the winter break, has sent shockwaves through the small town of Perry, which has a population of about 8,000. The incident has sparked a larger conversation about gun laws and school safety in Iowa and the rest of the country.
As of now, the investigation is ongoing, with authorities providing limited updates on the case. The tragedy has deeply affected the Perry community, and the road to healing and recovery will undoubtedly be long and challenging.