Accident – death – Obituary News :

A Close-Knit Iowa Community Stunned by Tragic School Shooting

By Steve Karnowski | Associated Press

In a devastating incident that has shaken the small town of Perry, Iowa, residents are coming together to support each other after a school shooting that claimed the life of a sixth-grade student and left seven others injured. The shooter, a 17-year-old student, reportedly died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. As authorities continue their investigation, many questions remain unanswered, but some details have emerged.

The Shooting Incident at Perry High School

According to authorities and school officials, the tragic event unfolded just after 7:30 a.m. on Thursday at Perry High School. The perpetrator, armed with a pump-action shotgun and a small-caliber handgun, opened fire in the cafeteria where students from various grades were having breakfast. The shooting later spilled outside the cafeteria, causing chaos and panic among students and staff.

During the incident, 11-year-old Ahmir Jolliff, a beloved student at Perry High School, was fatally shot three times. The location of the shooting remains undisclosed. Perry High School Principal, Dan Marburger, along with four teenage students and two staff members, sustained injuries of varying degrees. Tragically, the high school student identified as the shooter, Dylan Butler, died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot.

In addition to the firearms, authorities discovered a “rudimentary” improvised explosive device in Butler’s possession, which was safely disarmed, preventing further harm.

Acts of Bravery Amidst the Tragedy

While details about the events inside the school are still limited, stories of bravery and selflessness are beginning to emerge. Principal Dan Marburger, who has been serving the school since 1995, reportedly put himself in harm’s way to protect students from the shooter. Perry Superintendent Clark Wicks praised Marburger as a “hero” and commended his efforts to ensure students’ safety. Middle School Assistant Principal Adam Jessen also demonstrated heroic actions by carrying a wounded student to a secure area.

The principal’s daughter, Claire Marburger, shared on Facebook that the community and students have been sending cards to express their support. One card, in particular, brought laughter and smiles to the family, stating, “not all heroes wear capes, some are the school principal.”

Bobbi Bushbaum, a mother in the community, expressed her gratitude towards those who assisted her son Corey after he was shot multiple times. She credits their immediate help in saving her son’s life.

Investigation and Possible Motives

Law enforcement officials are actively investigating the incident and are focusing on interviewing Butler’s friends and analyzing his social media profiles. TikTok and Reddit posts made by Butler are being examined, including a photo he shared inside Perry High School’s bathroom shortly before the shooting. The photo was captioned “now we wait,” accompanied by the song “Stray Bullet” by the German band KMFDM. Additionally, investigators have discovered images of Butler posing with firearms.

Two friends and their mother, who spoke with the Associated Press, revealed that Butler had been relentlessly bullied since elementary school. The bullying reportedly escalated recently when Butler’s younger sister became a target as well. However, Perry Superintendent Clark Wicks did not comment on whether Butler had been bullied, emphasizing the district’s commitment to addressing bullying situations seriously.

Ahmir Jolliff – A Beloved Student Remembered

Ahmir Jolliff, affectionately known as “Smiley” by his loved ones, was an energetic and cheerful 11-year-old. Excited to reunite with his friends on the first day back to school, Ahmir’s joyful spirit was tragically cut short. He was an active participant in various activities, including soccer, playing the tuba, and singing in the choir. Ahmir had a kind habit of reaching out to others, asking about their day while gently touching their shoulders.

Perry Mayor Dirk Cavanaugh expressed his confidence in the community’s resilience, stating that Perry, despite its small size, would come together to support one another during this painful time.

Des Moines, in a show of solidarity, will illuminate three bridges in blue, the official school color of the Perry district. Des Moines Mayor Connie Boesen encouraged residents to reflect and remember those affected by this senseless tragedy.

A Community United in the Face of Tragedy

Perry, with a population of approximately 8,000 residents, is located about 40 miles northwest of Des Moines. The town is known for its pork-processing plant and boasts a higher level of diversity compared to the rest of Iowa. Census figures indicate that 31% of Perry’s residents are Hispanic, while less than 7% of the state’s population is of Hispanic origin. Additionally, nearly 19% of Perry’s residents were born outside the United States.

Due to the shooting, Perry High School will remain closed for the entire upcoming week to allow for thorough cleaning and repairs. Elementary and middle-school classes may potentially resume on Friday, providing the necessary preparations are completed.

Impact on Political Landscape

The tragic incident has cast a somber shadow over Iowa’s upcoming Republican presidential caucuses, scheduled for January 15th. While questions about the shooting have arisen during candidates’ visits to the state, their campaign messages to conservative caucus-goers have remained largely unaffected. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing debate surrounding gun control, highlighting both Republican resistance to restrictions and the alarming frequency of school attacks.

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

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

.