Perry, Iowa – An 11-year-old sixth-grade student, Ahmir Jolliff, was tragically killed in a mass shooting at Perry High School, located in the suburbs northwest of Des Moines. The Iowa Department of Public Safety reported that Ahmir was shot three times in the “horrific” incident. This devastating event also resulted in seven others being injured, including three staff members and four students.
The principal of Perry High School, Dan Marburger, was among the injured, and remains in critical condition, while two other students are still hospitalized. The suspected shooter, 17-year-old Dylan Butler, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities found him with a pump-action shotgun and a small-caliber handgun, as well as a “rudimentary” explosive device at the school, which was safely rendered inert.
The Iowa Department of Public Safety has not provided any information on a possible motive for the shooting, but they have seized a large amount of digital and social media evidence that will require extensive review. Additionally, they reported that background investigations, eyewitness accounts, and victim interviews are ongoing.
The Perry Community School District remains closed, with plans to reopen the elementary and middle schools as early as January 12. However, high school students will not return until the following week due to damage sustained at the school.
As the investigation continues, the community is left grappling with the aftermath of this tragic event. The incident occurred before the school day had started, with very few students and faculty present in the building at the time.
In the wake of this horrifying incident, there are still many questions that remain unanswered, and the community is left to mourn the loss of Ahmir Jolliff and support those whose lives have been forever changed by this senseless act of violence.