Accident – death – Obituary News :

Tragedy Strikes as 17-Year-Old Opens Fire at an Iowa High School

A devastating incident unfolded on the first day back to school after the winter break in a small-town Iowa high school. A 17-year-old student opened fire, resulting in the tragic death of a sixth-grader and injuring five others. The horrifying event left students scrambling for safety, barricading themselves in offices, seeking refuge in classrooms, and fleeing in panic.

Authorities have identified the suspect as 17-year-old Dylan Butler, but have yet to determine a motive for the shooting. Perry, the town where the incident occurred, is home to approximately 8,000 residents and is situated about 40 miles northwest of Des Moines, on the outskirts of the state capital’s metropolitan area. Known for its pork-processing plant and surrounded by leafless trees during winter, Perry’s high school and middle school are located on the eastern edge of town.

Law enforcement officials have revealed that the shooter possessed a pump-action shotgun and a small-caliber handgun. Additionally, authorities discovered a “rudimentary” improvised explosive device, which was rendered safe. Investigators are currently examining the suspect’s social media posts made around the time of the shooting to gain insight into his motive. Although the shootings occurred within the high school, students from other grades may have been present for a breakfast program.

Ava Augustus, a senior at Perry High School, recounted her terrifying experience. She was waiting for a counselor in a school office when she heard three gunshots. Unable to escape through a small window, Augustus and others barricaded the door, prepared to defend themselves if necessary. After receiving word that the shooter had been neutralized, Augustus described the scene of chaos, with shattered glass and blood on the floor. She witnessed a girl being taken out of the auditorium with a gunshot wound to her leg.

Three gunshot victims were transported by ambulance to Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, while other patients were taken to MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center. Fortunately, the injuries sustained by the victims, aside from one person in critical condition, are not believed to be life-threatening.

The Perry Community School District, which includes the high school, has announced that the school will remain closed on Friday. Counseling services will be made available to students, faculty, and the community. Vigils have been planned for Thursday evening at a park and a local church to honor the victims and provide support during this difficult time.

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds expressed her condolences and ordered all flags in the state to be lowered to half-staff in solidarity with the affected community, students, families, and teachers. The tragic shooting has deeply shaken the entire state of Iowa, as highlighted by Governor Reynolds during a press conference.

In Washington, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland was briefed on the shooting, and the FBI is assisting the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation with the ongoing investigation.

It is worth noting that this devastating incident occurred against the backdrop of Iowa’s first-in-the-nation presidential caucuses. GOP candidate Vivek Ramaswamy had a campaign event scheduled in Perry, not far from the high school, but decided to cancel it. Instead, Ramaswamy held a prayer session and intimate discussion with local residents.

Mass shootings across the United States have consistently reignited the debate on stricter gun laws. However, the issue remains a contentious one, particularly among Republicans in rural areas like Iowa. As of July 2021, Iowa does not require a permit to purchase a handgun or carry a firearm in public. However, a background check is mandatory for those buying a handgun without a permit.

Reflecting on the shooting, Ramaswamy described it as a symptom of a “psychological sickness” plaguing the country. Florida Governor and GOP rival, Ron DeSantis, emphasized that gun violence is primarily a local and state issue.

The Perry High School is part of the Perry Community School District, serving approximately 1,785 students. The town of Perry is more diverse than the state of Iowa as a whole, with a significant Hispanic population of 31%, compared to the state average of less than 7%. Furthermore, nearly 19% of Perry’s residents were born outside the United States.

Law enforcement received reports of an active shooter at 7:37 a.m. on Thursday, prompting a swift response from officers who arrived at the scene within minutes. Emergency vehicles quickly surrounded the middle and high school buildings. The shooter was located and found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to Assistant Director Mitch Mortvedt of the state investigation division.

Witnesses have shared their harrowing experiences during the incident. Zander Shelley, a 15-year-old student, was grazed by two bullets while in a hallway. He sought refuge in a classroom and sent a text to his father at 7:36 a.m., informing him of the situation. Zander’s father, Kevin Shelley, who was at work as a garbage truck driver, immediately rushed to his son’s aid. He later posted a photo on Facebook of Zander receiving treatment at the Methodist Medical Center, reassuring friends and family that his son was doing fine.

Rachael Kares, an 18-year-old senior, was wrapping up jazz band practice when the sound of four gunshots interrupted the session. In a state of shock, Kares and her bandmates were instructed by their teacher to run. They fled, passing the football field, as others shouted for everyone to get out. Kares heard additional shots as she made her escape, but her primary concern was reaching home safely to be with her 3-year-old son.

The tragic events that unfolded at the Iowa high school have left the community devastated and in mourning. Vigils have been organized to commemorate the victims, while the investigation into the motives behind the shooting continues.

Contributors to this report include Scott McFetridge and Andrew Harnik from Perry, Iowa; Jim Salter from O’Fallon, Missouri; Josh Funk from Omaha, Nebraska; Trisha Ahmed from Minneapolis; Lindsay Whitehurst from Washington; Mike Balsamo from New York City; and John Hanna from Topeka, Kansas. Rhonda Shafner contributed from New York City as an AP researcher.

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