PERRY, Iowa – An 11-year-old student, Amir Jolliff, was tragically killed in a mass shooting at Perry Middle School. The incident also left seven others injured, including three staff members and four students. The suspect, 17-year-old Dylan Butler, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Butler was a student at the high school.
The school’s principal, Dan Marburger, was among the victims and underwent surgery on Thursday. He is reportedly in stable condition. Two students and Principal Marburger remain hospitalized, while the others have been treated and released, according to Division of Criminal Investigation Assistant Director Mitch Mortvedt.
The shooting took place early in the morning, shortly after students returned from winter break. Authorities received reports of the shooting at 7:37 a.m. and arrived on the scene within seven minutes to find students and faculty seeking shelter and fleeing the building.
Investigators are still in the process of determining the motive behind the shooting. Both Jolliff and Butler have been examined by the Iowa State Medical Examiner.
It is noted that Iowa does not require a permit to purchase a handgun or carry a firearm in public, although a background check is mandated for individuals purchasing a handgun without a permit. Furthermore, Perry has a population of about 8,000, and the school district has approximately 1,800 total students, with around 575 in grades 9 through 12.