Tragedy Strikes Perry High School in Iowa: Multiple Injured and One Fatality Reported
PERRY, IOWA - In a shocking turn of events, Perry High School was rattled by a deadly school shooting early this morning. Law enforcement officials and emergency responders sprang into action, saving lives and bringing the situation under control.
At approximately 7:37 AM on January 4th, 2024, the Perry Police Department received reports of an active shooter at Perry High School. Simultaneously, multiple 911 calls flooded the Dallas County Communications reporting the same incident. First responders arrived swiftly on the scene, with Perry police officers quickly entering the premises to find students and faculty either seeking shelter or fleeing the building.
Inside the school, officers discovered multiple individuals with gunshot wounds. They promptly initiated a search for the source of the threat and discovered the alleged shooter with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. As more officers arrived, they systematically combed through the school, ensuring the area was secure and uncovering an improvised explosive device (IED). The explosive device was rendered safe with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the state fire marshal.
The shooter has been identified as 17-year-old Dylan Butler, a student at Perry High School. Armed with a pump-action shotgun and a small-caliber handgun, Butler reportedly made various posts on social media before the shooting, which law enforcement authorities are currently examining. Preliminary investigations suggest that Butler acted alone, but the motive behind this horrific act remains unknown.
Tragically, a sixth-grade student from Perry Middle School lost their life in the incident. Five other victims, including four students and a school administrator, sustained injuries and were promptly transported to local hospitals for treatment. The injured victims are currently in stable condition, with one victim in critical condition. Authorities are withholding the names of the victims and Butler's family history as the investigation unfolds.
Approximately 150 officers from various local, state, and federal agencies responded to the incident with remarkable coordination. The swift and heroic actions of the first responders undoubtedly saved lives, for which the community remains immensely grateful.
The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation is leading the ongoing investigation, along with support from the Perry Police Department, the Dallas County Sheriff's Office, the FBI, the ATF, and the Dallas County Attorney's Office. Investigators are meticulously reviewing evidence, including the assailant's social media posts, to gain deeper insight into the incident's motive.
The Perry community has come together in solidarity, extending their condolences to the victims' families and pledging support during this painful time. The mental health region has already deployed social workers embedded within the school district to provide counseling services to students, families, and staff members affected by the tragedy.
As the investigation continues, law enforcement authorities will release further information when appropriate. The focus remains on supporting the affected individuals and ensuring their physical and emotional well-being.
Today, Perry mourns the loss of a young life, reflects on the bravery displayed by teachers, faculty, and students in the face of danger, and prays for the swift recovery of the injured victims. The community's resilience has been tested before, but it remains strong as it unites to heal from this senseless act of violence.
