Perry, Iowa Shooting: School Principal Distracts Shooter, Saving Lives

DES MOINES, Iowa − The Perry High School community is reeling after a shooting incident on Thursday morning. However, thanks to the heroic actions of the school principal, Dan Marburger, several lives may have been saved.

According to Marburger’s daughter, Claire, her father managed to distract the shooter, 17-year-old Dylan Butler, buying more time for students to escape. Marburger was among the five people shot but is now in stable condition. Unfortunately, the other four victims were students.

Claire took to Facebook to express her admiration for her father’s bravery, stating, “It is absolutely zero surprise to hear he tried to approach and talk Dylan down and distract him long enough for some students to get out of the cafeteria. That’s just Dad.”

Tragically, Butler later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The incident took place on the first day of classes for the spring semester, as students returned from winter break. Perry High School, located about 40 miles northwest of Des Moines, is now the center of a police investigation.

Law enforcement officials are examining social media posts made by the shooter prior to the incident. They have discovered that Butler killed a sixth-grader, injured five others, and left an undetonated improvised explosive device at the school.

As the Perry community comes to terms with the tragedy, residents have gathered at various locations to hold vigils in remembrance of the victims. This shooting is one of the first high-profile school shootings of 2024, highlighting the ongoing issue of school violence in the United States.

Principal’s Daughter Praises Selfless Act

In a heartfelt Facebook post, Claire Marburger provided an update on her father’s condition while praising his selflessness. She described him as a calming presence who always put others before himself.

Claire anticipated her father’s brave actions, stating, “I instantly had a feeling my Dad would be a victim as he would put himself in harm’s way for the benefit of the kids and his staff.”

Investigation into Social Media Posts

Authorities are currently investigating the social media activity of the shooter leading up to the incident. One notable post was a bathroom stall selfie showing a blue duffle bag with the caption “now we wait.”

The shooter’s TikTok post, which has since been taken down along with his other social media accounts, featured the song “Stray Bullet” by the rock group KMFDM. This song was infamously used on the personal website of one of the perpetrators of the Columbine High School massacre in 1999.

Before his accounts were shut down, the Iowa shooter had amassed over 250 followers.

Perry Community Mourns

The Perry, Iowa community is no stranger to school-related incidents. Over the past decade, there have been at least six shootings or reports of gunfire in or around local schools.

Sebastian Robles, a senior at Perry High School, shared his shock and disbelief at the tragic event. He had been looking forward to the first day back at school after winter break, only to have his optimism shattered by the shooting.

As the investigation continues, the Perry community rallies together to support one another during this difficult time.