PERRY, Iowa (AP) — Perry High School in Iowa suffered a tragic event, with the shooting leaving one student dead and several injured, including Principal Dan Marburger. The shooting took place in the school cafeteria as students were gathered for breakfast. The 17-year-old shooter, Dylan Butler, later died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The state Department of Public Safety commended Principal Marburger for his selfless actions in putting himself in harm’s way to protect his students. Marburger, along with six others, including staff and students, were injured in the shooting. The 11-year-old student who was killed was identified as Ahmir Jollif, who was shot three times.
Further details emerged about the victims, with one mother posting on Facebook about her son being helped to an ambulance after being shot multiple times. Perry Superintendent Clark Wicks acknowledged the heroic actions of several people involved in helping others to safety during the shooting.
As the community grapples with the tragic event, classes in the district will not resume until at least next Friday. The injured principal and two students remain hospitalized as they recover from their injuries.
The shooter, Dylan Butler, was said to have acted alone. Investigators are still working to understand more about Butler’s background and gather information to understand the possible motive behind the shooting. It was also revealed that Butler had been the target of relentless bullying since elementary school, which the shooter’s friends and family believe may have played a role in his actions.
The Perry community and its diverse residents, particularly its large Hispanic population, are reeling from the tragic events. Despite the shock, Perry Mayor Dirk Cavanaugh expressed confidence in the community’s ability to come together and heal from this devastating experience.
In the wake of this tragic event, the school district and the entire Perry community are receiving an outpouring of support as they navigate this difficult time.