PERRY, Iowa (AP) – Tragedy struck Perry High School in Iowa as a 6th-grade student lost their life in a fatal shooting on Thursday. The incident also left five others injured, including four students and one administrator.
According to officials from the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the shooter, 17-year-old Dylan Butler, who was a student at the high school, died in the incident. The motive behind the shooting is still under investigation.
The school’s principal, Dan Marburger, was among the injured and was reportedly in stable condition after undergoing surgery. Local law enforcement responded swiftly to the reports of the shooting, arriving at the scene within minutes to find students and faculty seeking shelter or fleeing the premises.
Authorities discovered multiple gunshot victims, including the shooter who had sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound. They also found and safely neutralized an improvised explosive device. The shooter was believed to have acted alone, bringing a shotgun and a handgun into the school.
Witnesses described harrowing scenes of chaos and fear as students and staff scrambled to safety. Many parents anxiously waited for news of their children’s safety as law enforcement secured the area and began their investigation into the tragic event.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the shooting, condolences and support poured in from across the state and beyond. Governor Kim Reynolds expressed solidarity with the Perry community, offering prayers for the victims’ families and emphasizing unity in the face of senseless violence.
The incident has reignited discussions on gun laws and safety measures in schools, prompting a reevaluation of current policies and procedures. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on understanding the circumstances surrounding the tragic events that unfolded at Perry High School.
Perry, a close-knit community with a population of about 8,000, now grieves the loss of a young life and seeks healing in the wake of this devastating tragedy. In the days ahead, the town will come together to support one another and honor the memory of those affected by the shooting.