Iowa Principal Injured in School Shooting While Protecting Students, One Student Dead

Accident – death – Obituary News : PERRY, Iowa (AP) — In a tragic incident that unfolded at Perry High School in Iowa, Principal Dan Marburger displayed immense courage and selflessness when he placed himself in harm’s way to protect students from a teenage shooter. The shooting occurred in the school’s cafeteria during breakfast hours, leaving one sixth-grader dead and several others injured.

Authorities have praised Principal Marburger’s actions, stating that he acted selflessly to ensure the safety of his students. The state Department of Public Safety has commended Marburger for his bravery and his willingness to put himself at risk to protect others.

Details about the victims have also emerged. The student who tragically lost their life has been identified as 11-year-old Ahmir Jolliff, who was shot three times. The mother of one of the injured teenagers shared on Facebook that her son was shot multiple times but was able to make it to an ambulance with the help of others.

The Perry community is mourning the loss and rallying around the injured victims. Mini memorials with flowers and stuffed toys have been set up on the school campus, serving as a reminder of the tragedy that took place. Classes in the district have been suspended until at least next Friday to allow students and staff time to grieve and recover.

Updates on the injured victims indicate that Principal Marburger and two students are still hospitalized. Marburger’s daughter, Claire, provided an update on his condition, stating that he underwent surgery and is currently stable. She described her father as a “gentle giant” and expressed that it was not surprising that he took action to protect his students.

Superintendent Clark Wicks praised Marburger as a hero and credited other staff members for their heroic actions during the shooting. Middle School Assistant Principal Adam Jessen was commended for carrying a wounded student to safety.

One mother, Bobbi Bushbaum, expressed her gratitude for those who helped save her son’s life. Her son Corey sustained multiple gunshot wounds and underwent surgery. Although Corey still has bullets in his body and will be unable to walk for weeks, Bushbaum is thankful that he is alive thanks to the assistance he received.

The shooting occurred just before classes were set to begin on the first day back after winter break. The suspect, identified as 17-year-old Dylan Butler, was armed with a pump-action shotgun and a small-caliber handgun. Authorities discovered an improvised explosive device in Butler’s belongings, which was safely disarmed.

Investigations into the incident are ongoing, with authorities interviewing Butler’s friends and analyzing his social media profiles for potential clues about his motives. Friends of Butler have revealed that he had been subjected to relentless bullying, which escalated when his younger sister also became a target. While the bullying does not justify his actions, it sheds light on the potential factors that contributed to the tragic event.

Perry is a close-knit community of approximately 8,000 residents, located about 40 miles northwest of Des Moines. The town is known for its pork-processing plant and its diverse population, with a significant Hispanic community. Despite the shock of the shooting, Perry Mayor Dirk Cavanaugh is confident that the community will come together and support one another during this difficult time.

As the investigation continues, the Perry community remains united in grief and resilience. The bravery displayed by Principal Dan Marburger and the actions of other staff members serve as a reminder of the dedication and commitment educators have to their students’ well-being. The community will honor the memory of the young life lost and work towards healing and recovery..