Perry, Iowa — The community of Perry, Iowa mourns the loss of their high school principal, Dan Marburger, who died after being critically wounded in a school shooting on January 4. Marburger’s family announced his passing after he succumbed to injuries sustained while trying to stop the assault.
Marburger was the principal of Perry High School when a teenager armed with a handgun and shotgun opened fire, resulting in the tragic death of a sixth-grade student and the injury of six others, including Marburger. The principal was hailed for his heroic actions as he put himself in harm’s way to ensure the safety of students and staff during the shooting.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds paid tribute to Marburger for his courageous actions, stating that the entire state is devastated by the loss. His selfless act to protect his students during the shooting highlighted the heroism and dedication of educators to their students’ safety.
The shooting occurred less than two weeks ahead of the presidential caucuses in Iowa, sparking discussions about gun violence and school safety measures. While the issue did not prominently feature in campaign debates, prominent political figures like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley weighed in on the matter, with DeSantis emphasizing that gun violence is primarily a local and state issue while Haley vowed to prioritize mental health reforms.
Former President Donald Trump also commented on the shooting, describing it as a “horrible” incident and urging the public to move forward. The tragic event that unfolded in Perry, Iowa serves as a sobering reminder of the ongoing challenges related to gun violence in American schools.