Tragic Shooting at Perry High School Leaves One Dead and Several Injured

On Thursday, a horrifying incident unfolded at Perry High School in which a 17-year-old student opened fire, resulting in the death of a sixth-grade student and leaving five others injured. The suspected shooter, identified as Dylan Butler, tragically died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The motive behind this devastating attack remains unknown.

The victim, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, was just 11 to 12 years old, adding to the heartbreak of this senseless act of violence. Authorities are currently investigating the incident to determine the events leading up to the shooting and any possible warning signs.

According to friends and family who spoke with The Associated Press, Dylan Butler was a quiet individual who had endured years of bullying. Two friends, along with their mother, revealed that Butler had been a victim of relentless bullying throughout his schooling years. The situation escalated recently when his younger sister also became a target of bullying. Butler’s parents had reportedly brought the matter to the school’s attention, but sadly, this tragic event unfolded before any resolution could be found.

Authorities discovered that Butler was armed with a pump-action shotgun and a small-caliber handgun during the attack. Additionally, they found a “pretty rudimentary” improvised explosive device, which was promptly neutralized by law enforcement officials.

Authorities are currently investigating the suspect’s motive and are analyzing his social media profiles, including posts on platforms such as TikTok and Reddit. A law enforcement official confirmed that federal and state investigators are interviewing Butler’s friends to gather more information about his state of mind prior to the attack.

Prior to the shooting, Butler had posted a photo on TikTok from inside a bathroom at Perry High School, captioning it with the words “now we wait” and accompanying it with the song “Stray Bullet” by the German band KMFDM. Investigators also discovered other photos on Butler’s social media accounts, featuring him posing with firearms.

Yesenia Roeder and Khamya Hall, both 17, along with their mother, Alita, spoke about the relentless bullying Butler had endured throughout his school years. The situation worsened when his younger sister also became a target, leading his parents to seek help from the school. Unfortunately, the bullying persisted, ultimately leading to this tragic outcome.

As news of the shooting spread, Perry High School senior pupil Ava Augustus found herself trapped in a school office, waiting for a counselor, when she heard three gunshots. Unable to escape through a small window, she and other students barricaded the door, prepared to defend themselves if necessary. Thankfully, authorities quickly neutralized the shooter and gave them the all-clear to leave the room.

Des Moines’ Iowa Methodist Medical Centre treated three victims with gunshot wounds, one of whom is in critical condition. However, the injuries are not believed to be life-threatening, and the other victims are in stable condition. Additional injured individuals were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Following this devastating incident, the Perry High School posted on its Facebook page that the school would remain closed on Friday. Counseling services will be made available to students, faculty, staff, and the community to help cope with this tragic event.

Governor Kim Reynolds expressed her condolences, stating, “This senseless tragedy has shaken our entire state to its core.” President Joe Biden and US Attorney General Merrick Garland were also briefed on the shooting, highlighting the gravity of the situation.