Perry, Iowa – The Perry community is in mourning after a deadly school shooting claimed the life of a sixth grader and left five others injured. The tragedy unfolded at Perry High School shortly after students returned from their Christmas break.
According to former classmates, the 17-year-old gunman, Dylan Butler, had been a victim of relentless bullying since elementary school. The situation escalated when his younger sister also became a target of harassment, with school officials failing to intervene, according to fellow students.
Authorities are investigating the motive behind the shooting, with a focus on social media posts made by the suspect leading up to the tragedy. The shooter was found dead at the scene, having posted a video on TikTok just moments before the incident.
The victim, 11-year-old Ahmir Jolliff, is remembered by loved ones as a joyful boy known as “Smiley” at home. The community came together for a candlelight vigil to honor the young life lost in the senseless act of violence.
Classes were canceled at Perry High School to allow students and the community time to grieve, as they come to terms with the shocking events that unfolded on what was supposed to be a normal school day.
The local authorities confirmed that Dylan Butler acted alone, and there is no evidence of a second shooter. The Iowa governor issued a statement expressing solidarity with the Perry community, acknowledging the profound impact of the tragedy on the entire state.