This is an evolving story – updates will come as available.
Update at 6:00 p.m. – January 5:
The City of Perry and the Perry Community School District (PCSD) held a press conference Friday afternoon to talk about the mass shooting at the school on Thursday, January 4, as well as what students and families can expect in the coming days and weeks.
Perry High School classes will be canceled all next week. The district said that counseling will remain available in some form in the days and weeks to come. The high school also has damage from the attack, so repairs will need to be completed before students return. Elementary and Middle School students are expected to return to school next Friday, January 12. Perry Community Schools will be offering a grab-and-go lunch while the schools are closed. They can be picked up at Perry Elementary School each weekday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
A note from the joint press release from the City of Perry and PCSD also gave Iowans a way to help:
Iowans are generous and supportive in times of need, and many have asked how best to show their support. Therefore, a fund has been set up at Racoon Valley Bank for monetary donations under the Perry School Foundation. If you are interested in making other types of donations, please email joyce.scott@g.perry.k12.ia.us.
There is no verified GoFundMe at this time.
Be aware, the following press release is from the Iowa Department of Public Safety. It lays out details of victims’ injuries and names the 6th-grader killed yesterday at Perry High School.
From IDPS:
On January 5, 2024, the Iowa State Medical Examiner performed the autopsies on the two decedents from the Perry High School active shooter event.
The deceased Perry Middle School student has been identified as 11-year-old Ahmir Jolliff. Ahmir’s cause of death was determined to be multiple gunshot wounds… and his manner of death has been ruled a homicide.
The deceased shooter was confirmed to be seventeen-year-old Dylan Butler. Butler’s cause of death was determined to be from a self-inflicted gunshot wound and his manner of death has been ruled a suicide.
A total of seven other individuals received wounds or injuries of varying degrees during the shooting event, an increase of two from prior reports. Three of the victims are school staff members and four are students. Perry High School Principal Dan Marburger has been identified as having suffered multiple gunshot wounds and remains in critical condition. The investigation thus far confirms Principal Marburger acted selflessly and placed himself in harm’s way in an apparent effort to protect his students. At this time, Principal Marburger and two students remain hospitalized. The remaining have been treated and released.
The investigation is ongoing. Investigators have seized large volumes of digital and social media evidence that will take time to review. Background investigations, as well as eyewitness accounts and victim interviews, are continuing. Once the investigation is complete, the DCI’s investigative report will be turned over to the Dallas County Attorney’s Office to determine what additional course of action, if any, should be undertaken.
No further information will be released at this time.
Update at 1:40 p.m. – January 5:
Perry High School Principal Dan Marburger’s family has now shared that he was one of the shooting victims in yesterday’s assault on Perry High School. Principal Marburger’s daughter, Claire Marburger, who is the Online Learning Coordinator and Girls Basketball Coach for the school, shared an update on her Facebook page. Read the full statement here – For those of you who have reached out regarding… – Claire Marburger | Facebook.
In the post, Claire Marburger says she was not surprised to hear that her dad had tried to distract the assailant so that children might be able to escape. Principal Marburger is in stable condition after a day-long surgery but still faces more procedures in days to come. Claire Marburger also encouraged the community of Perry to offer grace to the family of the assailant as the town slowly heals.
Update at 3:40 p.m. – January 4:
At a press conference at 3 p.m. this afternoon, details were released about the Perry High School mass shooting that happened around 7:30 a.m. today. Assistant Director Mitch Mortvedt of the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation announced that one child is dead, and an administrator and four others were wounded seriously enough to be taken to Des Moines hospitals. The child killed was a 6th grader at Perry Schools who authorities believe may have been at the high school for a before-school breakfast program. Regarding the other victims, four are in stable condition and one is in critical but non-life-threatening condition. The names of the victims were not released.
When Perry Police and Dallas County Sheriff’s deputies made entry to the school during the event they immediately began their search for the perpetrator(s). They found the shooter, 17-year-old Perry High School student Dylan Butler, dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Butler appears to have used a pump-action shotgun and a small caliber handgun. Additionally, a small improvised explosive device was found at the school. The ATF and Iowa State Fire Marshall disposed of the device. A.D. Mortvedt referred to the bomb as, “rudimentary.” Authorities say that Butler acted alone.
When asked about possible motives, Mortvedt spoke for all of the law enforcement agencies involved when he said they are not speculating but investigating a possible catalyst. He also discouraged the public from theorizing on social media.
The press conference began with a heartbroken but strong Perry Police Chief Eric Vaughn offering praise to the Perry Police Officers and Dallas County Sheriff’s Deputies who responded to the scene first. He went on to express appreciation to the emergency dispatchers who managed and directed the calls and response, to the regional and state law enforcement agencies who answered the call for support, and to the FBI and ATF. Vaughn also recognized the life-saving efforts of Perry High School staff and students who followed their emergency plan so well.
The investigation will continue and an update will be available tomorrow.
Details from earlier today:
Information as of 9:35 a.m.:
The Dallas County Sheriff’s Department has confirmed the incident that around 7:40 a.m. today an active shooter opened fire at Perry High School in Perry, Iowa. Early reports have multiple victims injured and the shooter deceased. The Dallas County Emergency Management Agency will give a press conference at 10 a.m. (CT).
Air ambulances were called to Perry, as were multiple ambulances. At least one air flight brought a victim to a Des Moines hospital. There are conflicting reports on social media about the number wounded and the identity of the shooter – we will give information when it comes from law enforcement.
The local elementary school was locked down during the incident. The Perry High School students were evacuated to other locations to be reconnected with their families. Nearby Woodward-Granger Schools locked down after hearing of the incident. They have now canceled classes for the day, as has DMACC Perry.
Update at 10:18 a.m.:
The Dallas County Sheriff, Adam Infante, led a press conference just now with initial information about this morning’s mass shooting at Perry High School. The active shooter alarm was sent out to law enforcement, by the school, at 7:37 a.m. Perry Police were on site within seven minutes. The Sheriff assured the public that there was no further threat.
Sheriff Infante was not taking questions but did share that the number of injured and their conditions have not been confirmed. He also said that, while they know the identity of the shooter, they are not sharing it at this time.
Sheriff Infante mentioned a positive note in that, as school had not started for the day, there were fewer students and faculty members in the building, so it could have been worse. Also, all students have been reunited with their parents.
Another press conference is planned for sometime this afternoon. The Iowa Department of Public Safety will announce the time on its website after noon.
Of note, LifeServe is the blood provider to area hospitals. People have been asking how they can help, and LifeServe says to make an appointment to donate blood to help replenish any blood needed during the treatment of victims.
Update at 1 p.m.:
The next press conference will be held at 3 p.m. this afternoon to give the facts of today’s shooting at Perry High School. Multiple law enforcement agencies will be on hand.
Reminder – Social media may not be the best choice for your mental health at this time. There are lots of rumors and conjectures. Take some time away. If you feel like you or a friend are struggling, please reach out for help – 988lifeline.org.
Update at 2:40 p.m.:
Perry Schools have canceled classes for tomorrow, Friday, January 5. However, counselors will be available for students and staff at the Perry Public Library, 1101 Willis Ave., from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrow and Saturday.
Additionally, vigils are set for several locations in Perry tonight.
More to come, likely tomorrow.
