Perry, Iowa – The principal of Perry High School was shot multiple times on Jan. 4 while trying to protect students during a shooting at the school, according to authorities. In addition to the principal, sixth-grade student Ahmir Jolliff was killed in the shooting, while several others were injured, including two staff members and four students.
Jolliff, just 11 years old, succumbed to three gunshot wounds inflicted by the shooter, identified as 17-year-old high school student Dylan Butler, who later died by suicide. The shooting, which took place in the cafeteria before classes began at around 7:30 a.m., has left the small community of Perry, located about 40 miles northwest of Des Moines, in shock and mourning.
The Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) has confirmed that Perry High School Principal Dan Marburger remains in critical condition after suffering multiple gunshot wounds, with two students also hospitalized. Governor Kim Reynolds addressed the tragedy during a press conference, expressing solidarity with the Perry community and vowing to seek answers to prevent such tragedies from happening again.
As investigations continue, authorities are gathering digital and social media evidence and conducting background checks, eyewitness interviews, and victim interviews. Once the investigation is complete, the Division of Criminal Investigation will turn over their report to the Dallas County Attorney’s Office.
This senseless tragedy has shaken the entire state, and the community is left reeling as they mourn the loss of young Ahmir Jolliff and pray for the recovery of those injured in the shooting at Perry High School.