Perry Community Comes Together to Support After Tragic Shooting at Perry High School

Ahmir Jolliff, affectionately known as “Smiley,” eagerly left his Perry home on Thursday morning, looking forward to reuniting with his friends on the first day back to school after the winter break. The 11-year-old boy was a bundle of energy, always cheerful and engaging. His mother, Erica Jolliff, shared that Ahmir had a trunk of toys in the front yard for anyone to enjoy. He had a passion for soccer, played the tuba, and sang in the choir. Ahmir had a unique habit of reaching out to others, placing a hand on their shoulder, and genuinely asking about their day.

Tragically, Ahmir’s life was cut short before the school day even began. A 17-year-old student at Perry High School opened fire in the cafeteria, causing chaos and heartbreak. Ahmir, who attended the middle school connected to the high school, was shot three times, while seven others, including the school’s principal, two staff members, and four students, also suffered injuries during the incident. The shooter ultimately took his own life.

Erica Jolliff, Ahmir’s devastated mother, recounted the morning when her son excitedly left for school, a few minutes ahead of her and Ahmir’s ninth-grade sister. As authorities swiftly arrived and secured the area following the shooting, Jolliff frantically searched the streets for her children. Fortunately, she found her daughter unharmed. However, Ahmir was nowhere to be found.

Filled with a sense of foreboding, Jolliff couldn’t shake the feeling that her son was still inside the building. She later learned from friends of Dylan Butler, the 17-year-old identified as the shooter, that he had been a victim of long-term bullying. Shocked and saddened, Jolliff extended her condolences to Butler’s family, expressing her sympathy for their loss during an interview with The Associated Press.

The tragic incident unfolded just after 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, moments before classes were scheduled to begin after the winter break. According to Mitch Mortvedt, the spokesperson for the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the shooting originated in the cafeteria, where students from various grades were having breakfast. The altercation then spilled outside the cafeteria, but remained confined to the school’s north end.

More: Iowa schools show solidarity with Perry High after school shooting leaves 11-year-old dead

Law enforcement officials revealed that Butler carried a pump-action shotgun and a small-caliber handgun during the attack. Additionally, they discovered a crude improvised explosive device among Butler’s belongings, which was promptly rendered safe. While investigators are still piecing together a comprehensive understanding of Dylan Butler, they are examining both his background and the overall school environment, as stated by Mortvedt.

Superintendent Clark Wicks declined to comment on whether Butler had experienced bullying. However, he reiterated the district’s commitment to addressing bullying situations seriously and fostering a safe and inclusive atmosphere within their schools.

Perry, a tight-knit community with approximately 8,000 residents, is situated about 40 miles northwest of Des Moines, on the outskirts of the state capital’s metropolitan area. Perry High School belongs to the Perry Community School District, serving a student population of 1,785.

Erica Jolliff fondly remembered her son as a beacon of happiness and sociability, someone who seemed to know everyone in town. Ahmir’s dimples were always on display, illuminated by his perpetual grin.

“He was deeply loved, and he loved everyone,” Jolliff shared. “He was an incredibly outgoing person.”

Although Jolliff had no knowledge of Butler’s circumstances, she expressed empathy towards him. Jolliff hopes that this devastating loss serves as a catalyst for administrators to prioritize checking on students’ well-being.

“I pray that our loss is not in vain and that the school system implements necessary measures,” Jolliff said, her voice filled with hope.