PERRY, Iowa – The principal of Perry High School in Iowa, Dan Marburger, passed away after succumbing to injuries sustained during a tragic mass shooting at the school on January 4th. His heroic actions during the attack, where he attempted to save students, were praised by many. Marburger’s efforts to talk to and distract the shooter in order to protect the students were widely acknowledged.
The shooting left one sixth-grade student dead and seven others injured. Marburger, who was one of the injured, fought for 10 days before passing away. He was described as a selfless individual who put himself in harm’s way to protect his students.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds expressed her condolences and ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff in honor of Marburger. She remarked on his courageous actions and acknowledged the lasting impact of his heroic sacrifice. Marburger had been working at schools in Perry, Iowa for over 25 years and was known for his dedication to his students and staff.
The tragic incident marked the second school shooting in the US in the early days of 2024, reflecting the ongoing concerns about school safety and gun violence in the country. The community continues to mourn the loss of Marburger and the young student who lost their life in the senseless act of violence.
Law enforcement responded swiftly to the shooting and found the gunman, who had inflicted a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The details of the incident serve as a sobering reminder of the need for greater efforts to prevent such tragedies and protect the safety of students and staff in educational institutions.