PERRY, Iowa – The small town of Perry, Iowa, has been shaken by a tragic school shooting that occurred on January 4, 2024, resulting in the death of a sixth-grader and serious injuries to the school’s principal, Dan Marburger. Marburger, who had been the principal of Perry High School since 1995, succumbed to his injuries on Sunday, according to his family.
The shooting took place on the first day back to school after the winter break, when a 17-year-old student opened fire, injuring Marburger and five others. The shooter, later identified as Dylan Butler, was a student at the high school and was found dead with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Following the tragic event, a GoFundMe page was created to support Marburger’s family with medical expenses, emphasizing the impact of his selfless actions in helping pupils and staff exit the school during the shooting.
The shooting in Perry is part of a larger trend of gun violence in schools across the United States, contributing to a national epidemic that has continued to worsen in recent years. The incident has deeply affected the tight-knit community of Perry, a town of approximately 7900 people located 64km northwest of Des Moines, Iowa’s capital city.
At the time of the shooting, students were returning to classes after the holiday break, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of such acts of violence and underscoring the need for ongoing efforts to address school safety and mental health issues.
The loss of Principal Marburger has left a profound impact on the Perry community, and the tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of gun violence in schools. As the town grapples with the aftermath of this devastating event, support and resources are being mobilized to help the affected students, families, and community members navigate the healing process.