“Perry High School Shooting: Principal Dan Marburger Injured, Ahmir Jolliff Dead in Tragic Incident”

Accident – death – Obituary News : PERRY, Iowa — A tragic school shooting occurred in Perry, Iowa, leaving one sixth-grader dead and several others injured. The shooting took place in the cafeteria of Perry High School as students were gathering for breakfast before class. The suspected shooter, a 17-year-old student, died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot.

Authorities have praised Perry High School Principal Dan Marburger for his heroic actions during the incident. Marburger put himself in harm’s way to protect his students, allowing them to escape from the shooter. The state Department of Public Safety commended Marburger for his selfless act.

One of the victims killed in the shooting was identified as 11-year-old Ahmir Jolliff, who was shot three times. The mother of another student shared on Facebook that her son was shot multiple times but was able to make it to safety with the help of others. Perry Superintendent Clark Wicks acknowledged the bravery of those who assisted in getting students to safety.

The school campus is still cordoned off with yellow crime tape, and memorial tributes have been set up with flowers and stuffed toys. Classes in the district will not resume until next Friday at the earliest, as the community grapples with the aftermath of the tragedy.

The number of injured individuals has been updated to seven, including two staff members and four teenage students. The injuries range from significant to minor, with all seven believed to have been wounded or grazed by bullets. Principal Marburger and two students remain hospitalized.

In a heartfelt Facebook post, Marburger’s daughter described him as a “gentle giant” and expressed her belief that he would put himself in harm’s way to protect his students. Other staff members, including Middle School Assistant Principal Adam Jessen, also played heroic roles during the shooting, with Jessen carrying a wounded student to safety.

One mother, Bobbi Bushbaum, shared on social media that her son Corey suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including a fractured femur and wrist. She expressed gratitude to those who helped her son, stating that he wouldn’t be alive without their assistance.

The shooting took place just before classes were set to begin on the first day back after winter break. The suspect, Dylan Butler, used a pump-action shotgun and a small-caliber handgun during the attack. Investigators discovered an improvised explosive device in Butler’s belongings, which was safely disarmed.

Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into the incident, including interviews with Butler’s friends and a review of his social media activity. However, no motive has been determined at this time.

Friends of Butler described him as a quiet person who had been relentlessly bullied since elementary school. The bullying recently escalated when Butler’s younger sister became a target as well. While they acknowledge that shooting up the school was not a smart decision, they believe Butler was driven to his actions due to the harassment he endured.

The parents of the suspect have been cooperative with investigators. His father is a prominent figure in the Perry community, serving as the director of the city’s airport. Perry Mayor Dirk Cavanaugh expressed confidence that the community would come together to support one another during this difficult time.

Perry is a small town with a population of around 8,000 residents. It is located about 40 miles northwest of Des Moines and is known for its pork-processing plant. The town boasts a diverse population, with a significant percentage of residents being Hispanic.

Despite the shock and grief caused by the shooting, the community of Perry is determined to support one another and overcome this tragedy..