Tragedy Strikes Perry, Iowa as Shooting Claims Life of 11-Year-Old Ahmir Jolliff

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The tight-knit community of Perry, Iowa was left in shock and mourning on Thursday as tragedy struck the town’s schools. Ahmir Jolliff, an 11-year-old sixth-grader known affectionately as “Smiley,” was killed in a horrific shooting that took place before classes even began. The incident, which unfolded in the cafeteria of Perry High School, also left seven others injured, including school staff and students.

Ahmir Jolliff was a vibrant and beloved member of the Perry community. Known for his cheerful and active nature, Ahmir would often leave his home in the morning with boundless enthusiasm to see his friends at school. His mother, Erica Jolliff, described him as a whirlwind of positive energy, always ready to lend a hand or brighten someone’s day. He had a passion for soccer, played the tuba, and was an active participant in the school choir. Ahmir had a unique habit of touching people on the shoulder and asking them about their day, spreading kindness wherever he went.

In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Ahmir’s eagerness to embrace the school day turned into tragedy. The shooter, identified as 17-year-old Dylan Butler, unleashed gunfire in the cafeteria, targeting unsuspecting students and faculty. Ahmir was struck by three bullets, while seven others suffered injuries. Tragically, the shooter eventually took his own life.

Ahmir’s mother, Erica Jolliff, recounted the harrowing moments as she searched frantically for her children. Arriving minutes after her son had left for school, she was met with a town in chaos as authorities swiftly responded to the shooting. While Erica found her ninth-grade daughter unharmed, she couldn’t locate Ahmir. She later expressed her gut feeling that he was still inside the building, a feeling that would unfortunately prove to be true.

Friends of the shooter, Dylan Butler, claim that he had been a victim of bullying for years, and they believe that the school failed to protect him. Erica Jolliff, in a late Friday interview with The Associated Press, extended her condolences to Dylan’s family and expressed sympathy for his loss. The shooting occurred just before the school day began, during breakfast time in the cafeteria, before spilling outside but remaining contained to the north end of the school, according to authorities.

The investigation into the incident is still ongoing, with authorities working to gather a comprehensive understanding of Dylan Butler’s background and the overall school environment. In Butler’s possession, authorities discovered a pump-action shotgun, a small-caliber handgun, and a crude improvised explosive device, which was rendered safe. Superintendent Clark Wicks declined to comment on the bullying allegations but emphasized the district’s commitment to addressing bullying situations promptly and ensuring a safe and inclusive atmosphere for all students.

Perry, a small town with a population of approximately 8,000, is located about 40 miles northwest of Des Moines. The Perry Community School District, to which Perry High School belongs, enrolls around 1,785 students. Ahmir Jolliff’s infectious happiness and sociable nature had endeared him to everyone in the community. His mother fondly remembered him as a beacon of joy, someone who seemed to know everyone in town and whose dimples were always illuminated by a radiant smile.

Erica Jolliff, while unaware of the circumstances surrounding Dylan Butler’s life, expressed empathy towards him. She hopes that this tragic loss will not be in vain and that the school system will implement measures to ensure the well-being of all students. As the investigation continues, the Perry community mourns the loss of a young life and grapples with the aftermath of this devastating incident.

Associated Press writer Ryan J. Foley contributed to this report from Iowa City, Iowa.