Perry, Iowa – A tragic school shooting took place on Jan 4th at Perry High School, leaving the community devastated. Amid the chaos and heartbreak, the high school lost a bright and compassionate soul in the form of 17-year-old Ahmir, known to his family as “Smiley.” Ahmir, an 11th grader, was described by his mother as a joyful and kind-hearted boy with a passion for soccer, board games, and music. His untimely death has left his loved ones and the community mourning a life full of potential.
According to his mother, Erica Jolliff, Ahmir was eagerly anticipating returning to school after the winter break to reunite with his friends. Tragically, the day took a turn for the worst as the school day began. A fellow student, Dylan Butler, armed himself with a handgun and shotgun, as well as a homemade explosive device, causing chaos and destruction within the school.
The assailant’s social media posts revealed his disturbing intentions, documenting his plan and expressing violent and hateful sentiments. Sadly, Ahmir, along with seven others, fell victim to the despicable act of violence. Amidst the heartbreak and grief, the community has come together to honor and remember Ahmir as a beacon of light and kindness within his school and neighborhood.
Ahmir’s passing has left an indelible mark on the community, and his memory will forever be cherished by those who knew and loved him. In the wake of this senseless tragedy, the coming together of the community serves as a testament to the resilience and strength of those affected.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and the community continues to grapple with the aftermath of the tragic events. The loss of Ahmir and the impact of the shooting will undoubtedly have a profound and lasting effect on the Perry community.