A tight-knit community in Iowa is left in shock and grief after a devastating school shooting that claimed the life of a sixth-grade student and injured seven others. The incident occurred at Perry High School, where a 17-year-old student opened fire before ultimately taking his own life. As investigations continue, many questions remain about the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

The Tragic Incident

According to authorities and school officials, the tragic event unfolded just after 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, shortly before classes were set to resume after the winter break. Armed with a pump-action shotgun and a small-caliber handgun, the teenage student began firing in the school cafeteria, where students from various grades were having breakfast. The chaos then spilled outside the cafeteria.

Tragically, 11-year-old Ahmir Jolliff, affectionately known as “Smiley” to his family, was shot three times and succumbed to his injuries. The exact location where Ahmir was at the time of the shooting has not been disclosed. Perry High School Principal Dan Marburger, along with six others including staff members and teenage students, sustained injuries ranging from significant to minor. The shooter, identified as Dylan Butler, was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Additionally, authorities discovered a “rudimentary” improvised explosive device in Butler’s possession, which was safely disarmed.

Law enforcement officials believe that Butler acted alone.

Acts of Bravery and Selflessness

While specific details of the events inside the school remain limited, stories of bravery and selflessness have begun to emerge. Principal Dan Marburger, who has dedicated himself to the school since 1995, put himself in harm’s way to protect students, according to authorities. Perry Superintendent Clark Wicks commended Marburger’s heroic actions and praised other staff members who also displayed remarkable courage. Middle School Assistant Principal Adam Jessen, for example, carried a wounded student to safety.

Claire Marburger, the principal’s daughter, shared on Facebook that cards expressing support and gratitude were pouring in from community members and students. One particularly heartwarming message read, “not all heroes wear capes, some are the school principal.”

Bobbi Bushbaum, a mother whose son Corey was shot multiple times, expressed her deep gratitude to those who helped her son reach safety. Corey managed to stumble to a nearby field, where others assisted him before medical professionals arrived. Bushbaum couldn’t thank them enough, acknowledging that her son’s life was saved because of their swift actions.

The Motive Behind the Tragedy

Authorities have yet to determine the motive behind the shooting.

However, law enforcement officials briefed on the investigation revealed that federal and state investigators are interviewing Butler’s friends and analyzing his social media profiles, including posts on TikTok and Reddit. Just before the shooting, Butler posted a photo on TikTok taken inside the Perry High School bathroom. The caption accompanying the photo read, “now we wait,” while the German band KMFDM’s song “Stray Bullet” played in the background. Investigators have also discovered images of Butler posing with firearms on his social media accounts. Friends of Butler, including Yesenia Roeder and Khamya Hall, both 17, along with their mother Alita, disclosed that the shooter had been relentlessly bullied since elementary school. The bullying intensified when Butler’s younger sister became a target as well.

Perry Superintendent Clark Wicks refrained from commenting on whether Butler had experienced bullying but emphasized that the district takes every bullying incident seriously and strives to maintain a safe and inclusive environment for all students.

Ahmir Jolliff: Remembering a Bright Young Life

Ahmir Jolliff, affectionately known as “Smiley,” was an energetic and cheerful 11-year-old. On the day of the shooting, Ahmir eagerly left his home, excited to reunite with his friends on the first day back at school. His mother, Erica Jolliff, shared that Ahmir loved playing soccer, was musically talented, playing the tuba, and enjoyed singing in the choir. Ahmir had a habit of reaching out to others, placing his hand on their shoulder, and genuinely asking how their day was going.

Tragically, Ahmir was shot three times. Erica Jolliff fondly remembers her son as a well-loved individual who radiated positivity and cared deeply for everyone around him.

A Resilient Community

Perry Mayor Dirk Cavanaugh expressed confidence in the community’s ability to overcome this devastating event together.

“We are a small town, but we will pull together in a big way to get through this,” Cavanaugh assured reporters.

In a show of solidarity and support for Perry, the city of Des Moines has illuminated three bridges in blue, the official school color of the Perry district.

“For the next week, as you pass by or visit the bridges lit in blue, take a moment to pause and reflect on those affected by the senseless tragedy at Perry High School, and the families whose lives were shattered by this shooting,” urged Des Moines Mayor Connie Boesen on Saturday.

Perry, a town with approximately 8,000 residents located about 40 miles (65 kilometers) northwest of Des Moines, is home to a large pork-processing plant and boasts a higher diversity percentage compared to the rest of Iowa. Census figures reveal that 31% of Perry residents are Hispanic, whereas the statewide percentage stands at less than 7%. Nearly 19% of Perry’s population was born outside the U.S.

School Recovery Plans

Perry High School will remain closed throughout the upcoming week for comprehensive cleaning and repairs. The earliest possible date for resuming classes for elementary and middle-school students is set for Friday.

The Political Context

This tragic event has cast a somber shadow over Iowa’s upcoming Republican presidential caucuses, scheduled for January 15.

While questions related to the shooting have arisen during candidates’ visits to the state, the tragedy has not disrupted their focus on appealing to conservative caucus-goers. The incident serves as a reminder of both the resistance towards gun control measures within the Republican party and the unsettling frequency of school shootings.

During a CNN town hall event, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley were both questioned about gun control. Both stressed the need for increased mental health services and improved school security.

Former President Donald Trump briefly acknowledged the shooting during a rally in Sioux Center, Iowa, expressing his condolences and urging the community to move forward.

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

Steve Karnowski, The Associated Press