In a devastating incident that has shocked the community, 11-year-old Ahmir Jolliff, affectionately known as “Smiley,” was tragically killed on Thursday morning at Perry High School in Iowa. Ahmir, an energetic and joyful sixth-grader, was eagerly looking forward to reuniting with his friends on the first day back to school after the winter break.

Ahmir, known for his kind-hearted nature, had a trunk of toys in his front yard that he kept unlocked, inviting anyone to play with them. His love for soccer, playing the tuba, and singing in the choir showcased his vibrant personality. Ahmir also had a habit of reaching out to people, asking about their day and offering his cheerful presence.

Tragedy struck before the school day even started when a 17-year-old student, identified as Dylan Butler, opened fire in the school cafeteria. Ahmir was shot three times, and seven others, including the school’s principal, two staff members, and four students, were also wounded before the shooter took his own life.

Ahmir’s mother, Erica Jolliff, shared the heart-wrenching moments when she realized her son was missing. She had left home minutes after Ahmir, along with her ninth-grade daughter. As authorities quickly responded to the shooting, Erica frantically searched for her children, finding her daughter safe but unable to locate Ahmir. She strongly believed he was still inside the building.

Erica Jolliff expressed her horror upon learning that Dylan Butler had allegedly been a victim of long-term bullying, with no action taken by teachers or school officials to protect him. In a compassionate interview with The Associated Press, she extended her condolences to Dylan’s family, acknowledging their loss and offering prayers.

The shooting occurred at approximately 7:30 a.m., just before classes were scheduled to begin. According to Mitch Mortvedt, spokesman for the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the incident started in the cafeteria, where students from various grades were having breakfast. The violence then spilled outside the cafeteria but remained contained to the north end of the school.

Authorities discovered that Butler possessed a pump-action shotgun and a small-caliber handgun. In addition, they found an improvised explosive device among Butler’s belongings, which was promptly neutralized. Investigators are diligently examining both Butler’s background and the overall school environment to gain a comprehensive understanding of the situation.

While Superintendent Clark Wicks refrained from commenting on the bullying allegations, he emphasized the district’s commitment to addressing such incidents seriously, aiming to maintain a safe and welcoming atmosphere within the school community.

Perry, a close-knit town with approximately 8,000 residents, is situated about 40 miles northwest of Des Moines. The Perry High School is part of the Perry Community School District, boasting a student population of 1,785.

Erica Jolliff fondly reminisced about her son, describing him as a beacon of happiness and sociability. Ahmir’s infectious smile and genuine interest in everyone he encountered endeared him to the entire community, where he was known and loved by all.

While Erica Jolliff was not aware of the specifics surrounding Dylan Butler’s circumstances, she expressed empathy towards him. She hopes that this tragic loss will serve as a wake-up call for administrators to prioritize the well-being of students and to proactively check on their emotional welfare.

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