Perry High School suspect identified as Dylan Butler, killed with self-inflicted gunshot wound

Authorities reported that six individuals were shot at the high school in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Sadly, one of the victims was a sixth-grade student who succumbed to the injuries. The alleged perpetrator, 17-year-old Dylan Butler, took his own life on the school grounds.

Additionally, law enforcement discovered an improvised explosive device (IED) within the school premises. The suspect was armed with a pump-action shotgun and a small-caliber handgun.

The state fire marshal of Iowa, along with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, successfully neutralized the device, as mentioned in a news conference on Thursday.

Multiple officers from various agencies worked together to secure the school and confirm the absence of any further threats.

The individual identified as the Perry High School shooter shared a photo of himself on TikTok just before reportedly shooting multiple people and subsequently taking his own life.

Dylan Butler, aged 17 and a student at Perry High School, was present at the school around 20 minutes before the scheduled start of classes on Thursday, marking the first day back after the winter break. According to the police, Butler shot six individuals, tragically resulting in the death of a sixth-grader.

Prior to the incident, Butler uploaded a self-portrait on the social media platform, depicting him in a bathroom stall with a blue duffle bag beside his feet. The caption stated, “now we wait.”

The TikTok post, now removed along with Butler’s social media profiles, featured the song “Stray Bullet” by the rock group KMFDM. Notoriously, this song was previously used on the personal website of Eric Harris, one of the perpetrators of the Columbine High School massacre in 1999. Butler’s account, which had amassed over 250 followers, was subsequently deactivated.

Dan Marburger, Perry High School Principal was shot.

The father of a 15-year-old student at Perry High School reports that his son sustained grazes from a bullet this morning, with injuries to the back and arm.

Initial reports of a potential active shooter at the high school surfaced at approximately 7:40 a.m. local time. The middle school was declared clear around 8:25 a.m., with the high school following suit by 8:27 a.m.

Due to the unfolding situation, the elementary school underwent evacuation and dismissal, completing the process by 8:32 a.m.

Individuals from Perry High School who have been affected are being taken to MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, as confirmed by a spokesperson from the hospital.

The precise number of patients en route to the facility is not immediately apparent. Ambulances and helicopters from the hospital have been deployed to the shooting scene. Additional information is currently unavailable.

Scenes from the vicinity of the school, located around 1200 18th Street, reveal that police and Iowa State Troopers have cordoned off the streets surrounding the school.

Numerous ambulances have been witnessed entering and departing from the school. Emotional reunions between some students and their parents are taking place in the vicinity of the high school.

From the Perry, Iowa scanner: “We have a female of high school age with two gunshot wounds to the head.”

“DMACC is aware of an active violence situation that occurred at Perry High School this morning. The DMACC Perry Center is closed and classes are canceled today. Reports are that all DMACC personnel are safe and accounted for. We will follow up with additional information as it becomes available. Stay tuned to campus email and the DMACC website for updates.”

This is a developing story that will be updated when more information is available.