Perry, Iowa – A tragic incident unfolded at Perry High School near Des Moines, where a 17-year-old gunman took the life of a sixth-grade student and left five others injured on Thursday morning. Among the wounded were four students and a school administrator, including the school’s principal, Dan Marburger. The shooter, identified as Dylan Butler, was a student at the high school and was later found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to officials.
This marks one of at least four mass shootings in the United States in 2024, as reported by the Gun Violence Archive. The attack also represents the second shooting on school property in the country this year. Law enforcement responded swiftly to the shooting, discovering several individuals with gunshot wounds at the high school, along with the deceased gunman.
Aside from firearms, authorities also uncovered an improvised explosive device during a search of the school, which was promptly rendered safe. The gunman had been active on social media, posting content around the time of the shooting. Although authorities believe the shooter acted alone and there are no further threats, the community remains in shock and mourning.
The tragic event occurred before classes had commenced on the first day of the new semester, coinciding with a year that saw an alarming increase in school shootings across the nation. The Perry Community School District, located in a tight-knit community near Des Moines, serves approximately 1,800 students across its educational institutions.
In the aftermath of the shooting, community members, political figures, and organizations expressed their support and condolences. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds conveyed her sorrow for the senseless tragedy, while former South Carolina governor and presidential candidate Nikki Haley emphasized the need for a safer environment for students and teachers.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities work to provide answers and support to the affected families and community. The deadly incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges surrounding gun violence and the collective resolve to address this pressing issue. This is a developing story, with updates expected as new information emerges.