Perry, Iowa – The principal of Perry High School was injured in a shooting on Jan. 4 while trying to protect students from the assailant. The shooter, a 17-year-old high school student, tragically took the life of 11-year-old Ahmir Jolliff before dying by suicide. In addition to the principal, two staff members and four students were also injured in the mass shooting, which took place in the cafeteria before the start of the school day.
The Iowa Department of Public Safety confirmed the cause of Jolliff’s death to be three gunshot wounds from the shooter. The principal, identified as Dan Marburger, sustained multiple gunshot wounds and is currently in critical condition. Two students also remain hospitalized, while the rest have been treated and released. Authorities initially reported five injured individuals, but that number has since been updated to seven.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds expressed her condolences to the Perry community, emphasizing the devastating impact of the senseless tragedy. As the investigation continues, authorities are seizing and reviewing large volumes of digital and social media evidence, while also conducting background investigations and interviewing witnesses and victims.
The community of Perry, located about 40 miles northwest of Des Moines, is left mourning as students, faculty, and residents come to terms with the heartbreaking events that transpired at the high school. The Iowa Department of Public Safety stated that once the investigation is complete, the Division of Criminal Investigation’s report will be turned over to the Dallas County Attorney’s Office to determine what additional course of action, if any, should be taken.
As authorities and the community grapple with the aftermath of the shooting, they are united in grief and seeking answers to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. The Perry community remains in the thoughts and prayers of many across the state as they come to terms with the impact of the horrific event.