PERRY, Iowa (AP) — The parents of the 17-year-old who killed a sixth grader and wounded seven others in a shooting at his small-town Iowa high school last week (Jan. 4, 2024) revealed that they “had no inkling he intended the horrible violence he was about to inflict.” They made a public statement on Monday (Jan. 8, 2024) expressing their devastation and grief. Dylan Butler’s parents stated that they are cooperating with investigators as they search for answers. The tragic event unfolded at Perry High School, resulting in the death of one student and the injury of several others, including the school principal and other staff members.
The principal, Dan Marburger, was critically injured as he tried to protect students from the teenage gunman. A law enforcement official revealed that the suspect died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The small-town Iowa community was left reeling from the aftermath of the shooting, with classes across the school district being canceled to provide counseling and support to students and staff.
The tragic incident at Perry High School, which occurred as students returned from their winter break, has left the community in shock. The town of Perry, with around 8,000 residents, is more diverse than the state of Iowa, with a significant percentage of Hispanic residents and individuals who were born outside the U.S. The shooting has ignited discussions around gun laws and safety in schools, as authorities continue their investigation to understand the events leading up to the tragedy.
In the wake of the shooting, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland was briefed on the incident, and the FBI is providing support to the investigation led by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. Despite the tragic circumstances, Perry High School remains an integral part of the Perry Community School District, where the focus is on providing support and assistance to those affected by the shooting.
The shooting at Perry High School has prompted renewed discussions on school safety and the impact of such events on communities. The tragedy has highlighted the need for ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff in schools across the country. The Perry community, along with law enforcement and government agencies, continues to grapple with the aftermath of the shooting, seeking ways to prevent such devastating events in the future.