Deadly Perry High School Shooting Leaves 7 Injured, 1 Victim Killed

PERRY, Iowa – Less than two days ago, a tragic school shooting occurred at Perry High School and Middle School, leaving one student dead and seven others injured. The community is still reeling from the aftermath as law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the incident.

On the morning of January 4, 2024, an active shooter situation unfolded at the combined campus of Perry High School and Middle School, just as students were returning for their first day of classes after winter break. Students and staff were present in the building for breakfast and extracurricular activities when the shooting began, prompting a swift response from law enforcement.

According to reports, the suspected shooter, 17-year-old Dylan Butler, took his own life after injuring four students and three school employees. One of the injured individuals, Perry High School Principal Dan Marburger, remains in critical condition after suffering multiple gunshot wounds. The victims were promptly transported to local hospitals for treatment, with some already being released and others still receiving medical care.

Law enforcement officials are still piecing together the details of the tragedy, including the potential motive behind the shooting. As the community grieves and seeks to understand what led to this devastating event, the district has announced that Perry High School students will not return to school next week, while elementary and middle school students may return on January 12 at the earliest.

Located just 25 miles northwest of Des Moines, Perry is a small town with a population of approximately 8,000 people. The joint campus of Perry High School and Perry Middle School is where the tragedy unfolded, impacting the entire community and prompting a widespread outpouring of support. As the investigation continues and the community grapples with the aftermath, the focus remains on providing care and support for the victims and their families.