PERRY, Iowa — Notable Iowans are speaking out about the tragedy at an Iowa high school early Thursday morning.
Police and state officials responded to an active shooter situation that killed one and injured multiple people at Perry High School and Middle School just before 7:40 a.m. on Jan. 4, 2024. The high school is located at 1200 18th Street in Perry and hadn't yet opened for the day when the shooting began.
Police have identified the shooter as 17-year-old Dylan Butler. The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation said Butler died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Here's what officials are saying about the tragedy:
"I happen[ed] to visit [the] Perry community last month, I walked into that high school last month, and met with students on the field in that community. I talked to the superintendent about a month ago about the goals for this year and what a great person. And, unfortunately, his life and the life of everyone in that community was changed at 7:37 this morning ... We must never normalize or become desensitized to the work that we have to do to protect our babies, protect our schools, protect our communities. So I'm thinking about them."
"Our hearts are heavy today and our prayers are with the Perry community," Reynolds said at a press conference Thursday afternoon. "This strikes at the heart of everything that we hold dear. This senseless tragedy has shaken our entire state to the core. And I want this community to know that every Iowan stands with you. It's impossible to understand why anything like this happens. But again, I want you to know that we'll work tirelessly to get the answers so that we can prevent it from happening again."
"Our hearts are broken by this senseless tragedy. Our prayers are with the students, teachers & families of the Perry Community. I have been in contact with law enforcement agencies & am continuing to monitor the situation. I will be joining their press conference today."
"Todays appalling violence at Perry HS is heartbreaking Barbara + I are grateful for quick response by school officials &law enforcement to protect students +restore safety. The Perry community is strong& will band 2gether thru hard time Im here 2help if addtl fed resources needed"
"As a parent and community member, I'm beyond angry. My heart, and my commitment to holding those accountable, is with the community of Perry. We have a duty to protect our children, families, and educators. I remain in touch with first responders and local leaders in Perry, and I will continue to monitor the situation closely. We will not rest until there is full accountability for this heinous act of violence."
"My team is in touch with officials in Dallas County about the heartbreaking situation at Perry High School. Join us in praying for the safety and recovery of those involved. Thank you to law enforcement for the swift response."
"As a father, I am sickened by today's horrors in Perry. Thank you to educators and law enforcement for their work to protect kids. Every Iowan can offer thoughts and prayers for the Perry community, but elected officials with the power to reduce senseless violence must do more."
"I’m devastated by the senseless and horrific shooting at Perry High School this morning. As a mother, my heart aches for the families of all students and staff impacted. We thank the officers who acted swiftly and courageously to restore safety. And we will continue to work with law enforcement and first responders to offer our support and assistance. Our prayers go out to the students, the teachers, their families, and the entire Perry community."
"The President is tracking the tragic school shooting at Perry Middle and High School in — in Iowa. Our hearts break for the families of the victims in yet another act of senseless gun violence.
We are grateful for the brave first responders who are on the scene. And unfortunately, there is no longer an active threat to the school — I should say fortunately, not unfortunately.
Senior White House staff have been in touch with the governor’s office, and federal officials are working with local law enforcement to support their investigation. We will know more as they complete their work.
It’s only the fourth day in the year — in the new year, and we are already faced with yet another horrific school shooting. And the question that we ask is: When will enough be enough? The questions that families ask and the victims of families [families of victims] ask is: When will it be enough? When will enough be enough?
Our students and teachers deserve to know that their schools are safe spaces and to focus on learning, not duck-and-cover drills.
While the President and this administration have taken historic action to reduce gun violence, more must be done to keep our schools and communities safe.
Congress must act to enact universal background checks, ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, require safe storage of firearms, end the gun industry’s immunity from liability, and pass a national red flag law.
We cannot allow these tragedies to continue. We have to do something."
Iowa State Education Association President Mike Beranek, Vice President Joshua Brown
"We are heartbroken by this tragedy and know that words cannot express the sorrow we feel for the victims and the pain that everyone in the community feels. Like schools across the state, Perry High School is a place for learning, growth, and friendship. Iowa’s public schools are the heart of all our communities; today, our hearts are shattered.
We will continue to be a source of strength for one another during this challenging time, and in the face of this tragedy and so many before it, it is helpful to remember the values that truly bind us together – resilience, hope, and love."
Chair of Iowa Democratic Party Rita Hart
“I am so sad and so sorry that the Perry community is living this nightmare that has happened far too often across our country.
Our schools have always been places of hope and support, where students go to learn new skills and gain the experiences that lead them to future success. Our students should be able to focus on creating brighter futures for themselves while they are in their classrooms, not looking for escape routes, hiding places, or fearing for their safety.
The Perry community deserves better. Iowa deserves better.”
Local 5 will update this story as more information becomes available. Download the We Are Iowa app or subscribe to Local 5's "5 Things to Know" email newsletter for the latest.
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