A Small Iowa Town Devastated After Perry High School Shooting

The tight-knit community of Perry, Iowa, is in shock and rallying together following a tragic school shooting that claimed the life of a sixth-grade student and left seven others injured. The incident, which occurred on the first day back after winter break, has left many unanswered questions and a community in mourning.

What Happened?

Authorities and school officials have provided some details about the shooting at Perry High School. A 17-year-old student, armed with a pump-action shotgun and a small-caliber handgun, opened fire in the school cafeteria just after 7:30 a.m. on Thursday. The shooting then spilled outside the cafeteria, causing panic and chaos among the students.

The victim, 11-year-old Ahmir Jolliff, was shot three times, but the exact location of the shooting has not been disclosed. Perry High School Principal Dan Marburger and six others, including staff members and students, sustained injuries ranging from significant to minor. The alleged shooter, identified as Dylan Butler, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities also discovered an improvised explosive device in Butler’s possession, which was safely disarmed. It is believed that Butler acted alone in carrying out the attack.

Acts of Bravery and Selflessness

Amidst the tragedy, stories of bravery and selflessness have emerged from inside the school. Principal Marburger, who has been leading the school since 1995, put himself in harm’s way to protect students. Other staff members, including Middle School Assistant Principal Adam Jessen, also acted heroically. Jessen carried a wounded student to safety, demonstrating incredible courage in the face of danger.

The community has shown its support for the principal, with cards pouring in from both students and community members. One card that stood out read, “not all heroes wear capes, some are the school principal,” bringing a moment of laughter and joy during this difficult time.

Another mother, Bobbi Bushbaum, expressed her gratitude towards the individuals who helped her son Corey, who was shot multiple times. Corey managed to make his way to a nearby field, where he was assisted by others until medical help arrived. Bushbaum credited their quick actions with saving her son’s life.

Searching for a Motive

Authorities have yet to determine the motive behind the shooting. However, federal and state investigators are actively interviewing Butler’s friends and analyzing his social media profiles. Posts on platforms like TikTok and Reddit are being scrutinized for any potential clues. Shortly before the shooting, Butler posted a photo on TikTok taken inside Perry High School’s bathroom, accompanied by a caption that said, “now we wait.” Investigators have also uncovered photos of Butler posing with firearms. Friends of Butler have mentioned that he had been a victim of relentless bullying since elementary school, which escalated when his younger sister also became a target.

Perry Superintendent Clark Wicks declined to comment on the bullying allegations but emphasized the district’s commitment to addressing and preventing bullying. Creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students remains a top priority.

Remembering Ahmir Jolliff

Ahmir Jolliff, known to his loved ones as “Smiley,” was a vibrant and active 11-year-old. He was excited to reunite with his friends on the first day back at school. Ahmir’s mother, Erica Jolliff, described him as a soccer enthusiast who also played the tuba and participated in the choir. Ahmir had a habit of reaching out to others, asking about their day and offering a friendly touch on the shoulder.

Tragically, Ahmir was shot three times during the incident. His mother fondly remembered him as a well-loved and outgoing individual who brought joy to everyone he encountered.

A Community United

Perry Mayor Dirk Cavanaugh expressed his confidence in the community’s ability to come together and overcome this devastating event. Despite being a small town, Cavanaugh believes that Perry will rise above the tragedy through collective support and resilience.

In a gesture of solidarity, the city of Des Moines has lit three bridges in blue, the official school color of the Perry district. This act serves as a reminder of the impact of the senseless tragedy at Perry High School and honors the affected families. Des Moines Mayor Connie Boesen urged residents to pause and reflect on the incident as they pass by or visit the illuminated bridges.

Perry, with its population of approximately 8,000 residents, is located about 40 miles northwest of Des Moines. The town is home to a significant pork-processing plant and boasts a higher level of diversity compared to the rest of Iowa. Around 31% of Perry’s residents are Hispanic, a much larger proportion than the state average of less than 7%. Additionally, nearly 19% of Perry’s population was born outside the United States.

Recovery and Resumption of Classes

Perry High School will remain closed for the entire coming week as the building undergoes cleaning and repairs. The earliest possible resumption of classes for elementary and middle-school students will be on Friday.

The Political Context

The Perry High School shooting has cast a shadow over Iowa’s upcoming Republican presidential caucuses, scheduled for January 15th. While questions about the incident have arisen during campaign events, they have not overshadowed the candidates’ pitches to conservative caucus-goers. The incident highlights the ongoing resistance to gun control measures within the Republican Party and underscores the unfortunate frequency of school shootings across the country.

During a rally in Sioux Center, Iowa, former President Donald Trump briefly acknowledged the shooting, expressing his sorrow and emphasizing the need to move forward as a nation.

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Associated Press writer Mike Balsamo in New York contributed to this story.