A 17-year-old student opened fire at Perry High School in a small-town Iowa community, resulting in the tragic death of a sixth-grader and injuries to five others. The suspected shooter, also a student at the school, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The incident occurred on the first day of school after the winter break, leaving students in a state of panic as they barricaded themselves and sought safety. Law enforcement officials have identified one of the victims as a school administrator.
The shooting took place in Perry, a town of approximately 8,000 residents located about 40 miles northwest of Des Moines. The community is home to a large pork-processing plant, and the high school and middle school are situated on the eastern edge of town.
Eyewitness accounts describe the moments of terror as gunshots rang out in the school. Perry High School senior Ava Augustus was in a counselor’s office when she heard three shots. In fear for their lives, Augustus and others barricaded the door, preparing to defend themselves. Once they received word that the shooter was down, they made their escape. Augustus described the scene of shattered glass and blood as she reached her car.
Emergency services swiftly responded to the active shooter report. Three gunshot victims were transported by ambulance to Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, while others were taken to MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, though the exact number of patients and their conditions are currently undisclosed.
As the community mourns the tragic loss, vigils are planned for Thursday evening at a local park and church. The high school will be closed on Friday, with counseling services available at the public library throughout the weekend.
The shooting has drawn attention at a national level, with U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland being briefed on the incident. The FBI is assisting the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation in the ongoing investigation.
In the aftermath of this tragedy, calls for stricter gun control laws have emerged, yet this issue remains contentious in many Republican-leaning states like Iowa. At present, Iowa does not require a permit to purchase a handgun or carry a firearm in public, although background checks are mandatory for individuals buying handguns without a permit.
The Perry Community School District, to which the affected high school belongs, serves approximately 1,785 students. The town of Perry itself exhibits greater diversity than the state of Iowa as a whole, with a sizable Hispanic population.
Witnesses shared harrowing accounts of their experiences during the shooting. Zander Shelley, a 15-year-old student, sought refuge in a classroom after hearing the gunshots. He managed to escape with minor injuries but texted his father in immense fear. Rachael Kares, an 18-year-old senior, and her bandmates were finishing jazz practice when they heard the shots and immediately ran for their lives.
As families desperately searched for their children in the aftermath of the shooting, Erica Jolliff expressed her distress over not knowing the whereabouts and condition of her sixth-grade son. Many parents shared her concern, longing for confirmation of their children’s safety.
As the Perry community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event, support has been pledged at both local and national levels. The investigation into the shooting continues as authorities work to determine the motivations behind this devastating act of violence.
