Accident – death – Obituary News :

Iowa School Shooting: Perry High School Principal Attempted to Distract Gunman, Daughter Reveals

The tragic incident that unfolded at Perry High School in Iowa has shaken the community after a teenage shooter claimed the life of one student and left seven others injured. The principal of the school, Dan Marburger, bravely tried to divert the attention of the assailant, according to his daughter’s social media post.

The shooting occurred in the early hours of Thursday, catching most students off guard. Law enforcement authorities received distress calls at 7:37 a.m. and promptly arrived at the scene within seven minutes. Students and faculty members were found either seeking shelter or fleeing the building.

Amir Jolliff, an 11-year-old sixth-grader from Perry Middle School, tragically lost his life in the incident, as confirmed by the Iowa Department of Public Safety. In addition to Amir, four other students and three school staff members sustained injuries, initially reported as five in total.

Perry High School Principal Dan Marburger, along with two students, remained in critical condition and were receiving treatment at a local hospital, according to Iowa DPS.

The shooter, identified as 17-year-old Dylan Butler, who was also a student at Perry High School, ultimately succumbed to a self-inflicted gunshot wound, as authorities determined.

In a heartfelt Facebook post, Claire Marburger, the principal’s daughter, revealed that her father had undergone surgery following the shooting and was currently in stable condition. Although she did not provide specific details about his injuries, she disclosed that he had sustained them while attempting to reason with and distract the shooter.

Claire Marburger expressed her lack of surprise at her father’s brave actions, stating, “As I heard of a gunman, 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. It is absolutely zero surprise to hear he tried to approach and talk (the shooter) down and distract him long enough for some students to get out of the cafeteria. That’s just Dad.”

Describing her father as a “gentle giant” and an “amazing person,” Claire Marburger emphasized that he would be devastated by the tragic events that unfolded at Perry High School. She acknowledged the personal toll it would take on him, wondering if there was more he could have done to prevent such a tragedy.

Amidst the grief, Claire Marburger appealed to people to share positive memories about the school and the community. She also requested well-wishes for the families of the other victims and urged everyone to demonstrate compassion towards the shooter’s family.

As investigations into the motive behind the shooting continue, the community remains united in its efforts to heal and support one another during this difficult time.

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