Teen Takes Own Life After Fatally Shooting 6th Grader and Injuring 5 Others, Police Confirms
Tragedy struck Perry High School in Iowa on the first day back to classes in the new year when a 17-year-old student, identified as Dylan Butler, unleashed terror with a shotgun and a handgun.
The incident left a sixth-grader dead and five others injured, including the school’s principal, Dan Marburger. The assailant later succumbed to what investigators believe was a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Authorities discovered that Butler had a pump-action shotgun, a small-caliber handgun, and even a “rudimentary” improvised explosive device, which they safely neutralized. The motive behind the attack is under investigation, with a focus on social media posts made by Butler around the time of the shooting.
Federal and state investigators are delving into his friends’ testimonies and analyzing his social media profiles, including TikTok and Reddit.
Witnesses revealed that Butler had been a quiet individual who had faced relentless bullying for years, which intensified recently when his younger sister also became a target. The family had reported the bullying to the school, considering it the tipping point for Butler.
“Yesenia Roeder Hall, 17, expressed, “He was hurting. He got tired. He got tired of the bullying. He got tired of the harassment. Was it a smart idea to shoot up the school? No. God, no.”
The police responded swiftly to the active shooter report at 7:37 a.m., securing the school premises. Perry High School senior Ava Augustus recounted hearing three shots while in a school office.
Augustus and others barricaded the door, ready to defend themselves if needed. The aftermath revealed shattered glass, blood on the floor, and injured students.
Three victims were treated at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, with one in critical condition, though injuries were not deemed life-threatening. Others were taken to MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center.
A candlelight prayer vigil gathered hundreds of people at a park, offering solace and support for the affected families. The high school announced its closure on Friday, with counseling services available for students and the community.
Governor Kim Reynolds expressed her condolences, stating, “This senseless tragedy has shaken our entire state to its core.” President Joe Biden and U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland were briefed on the incident in Washington.
The incident reignited the debate on gun laws in the United States, with advocates pushing for stricter regulations. Iowa, however, doesn’t require a permit to purchase a handgun or carry a firearm in public, although a background check is mandatory for handgun purchases without a permit.
Perry, a community of 8,000 residents, is about 40 miles northwest of Des Moines. The town’s demographic makeup is more diverse than the state average, with a significant Hispanic population. Perry is home to a pork-processing plant and a tight-knit community with interconnected schools.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the tragedy, the focus remains on healing and supporting those affected. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by schools and communities in addressing the complex issues of bullying, mental health, and gun violence.