Perry, Iowa – A tragic incident unfolded at Perry High School near Des Moines, as a 17-year-old gunman took the life of a sixth-grade student and injured five others. Among the wounded were four students and one school administrator. The principal, Dan Marburger, was also injured during the attack. This marks the second school shooting on US school property in 2024, adding to the devastating trend of mass shootings in the country.
The assailant, identified as Dylan Butler, was a student at the high school. Law enforcement officials confirmed that the shooter is deceased. Responding officers arrived promptly at the scene following reports of an active shooter, finding multiple individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. The gunman was later found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
In addition to the firearm-related violence, an improvised explosive device was discovered and safely handled by authorities. The gunman was armed with a pump-action shotgun and a small-caliber handgun, highlighting the grave consequences of unchecked access to weapons. Social media posts made by the shooter around the time of the incident are under investigation for potential insight into the motives behind the attack.
The swift response of law enforcement agencies to the tragic event prevented further harm, with no additional threats identified. The close-knit community of Perry, Iowa, and its school district, with approximately 1,800 students, are grappling with the aftermath of the senseless loss and injuries caused by the shooting. As the nation continues to confront the pervasive issue of gun violence, national figures and organizations have expressed solidarity with the affected community and renewed calls for action to address this deadly epidemic.
Leaders, politicians, and advocacy groups have voiced their condolences and call for meaningful change in response to the tragedy. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address gun violence and ensure the safety and security of students and communities across the country. As details continue to emerge, the Perry community remains in mourning, supported by the collective efforts of local and national authorities to investigate the shooting and provide necessary resources and support.