What happened during the Perry High School shooting in Iowa?
A 17-year-old student fatally shot a sixth grader, wounded four others plus a school administrator, and then apparently took his own life in a tragic incident at Perry High School in Iowa. The shooter, armed with a shotgun and handgun, acted alone, leaving authorities grappling with unanswered questions amidst an ongoing investigation.
A tragic incident unfolded at Perry High School in Iowa when a 17-year-old student, Dylan Butler, unleashed gunfire, resulting in the fatality of a sixth grader and injuries to four other students and a school administrator. The assailant took his own life after the attack, employing a pump-action shotgun and a small-caliber handgun.
Authorities swiftly responded to the active shooter situation at around 7:37 a.m. in Perry, a city of approximately 7,800 residents situated about 30 miles northwest of Des Moines. Though the deceased student’s identity remains undisclosed, officials anticipate the recovery of the injured individuals.
In the wake of this devastating occurrence, Governor Kim Reynolds expressed profound sorrow, labeling the incident a “senseless tragedy” that has profoundly affected Perry and the entire state. Investigations are ongoing, with authorities yet to unveil a motive for Butler’s actions.
During the response, law enforcement discovered an improvised explosive device, promptly neutralized by the state fire marshal and federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Evidence suggests Butler acted alone, supported by his social media activity surrounding the time of the shooting.
The incident transpired before the commencement of the school day, with a limited number of students present due to a breakfast program underway on campus. The community, reeling from this distressing event, awaits further developments as investigations continue.