In a shocking turn of events, Perry, Iowa, found itself during a crisis as multiple people were injured in a shooting at Perry High School on Thursday morning. The Perry Police Department swiftly responded to reports of an active shooter, with the incident taking place at approximately 7:37 a.m. local time.
Table of Contents
Swift Response by Authorities as Community Grapples with the Aftermath
Officers from the Perry Police Department and Dallas County Sheriff’s Office reacted within seven minutes of receiving the active shooter alarm. Dallas County Sheriff Adam Infante addressed the media, revealing that the total number of victims and their conditions had yet to be confirmed. However, he assured the public that there was no ongoing threat.
“The community is safe,” Sheriff Infante stated. “We’re just now working backward, trying to figure out everything that happened and make notifications. There will be another update later on today.”
Gunshot Victims Rushed to Iowa Methodist Medical Center; Suspected Shooter Dead
According to The Associated Press, two gunshot victims were transported by ambulance to Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. A law enforcement source informed the AP that the suspected shooter had succumbed to what investigators believe to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Infante disclosed that the shooting occurred before the start of the school day, minimizing the number of students and faculty present in the building. This, he suggested, contributed to a more favorable outcome.
Eyewitness Accounts Paint a Tense Scene Inside Perry High School
Zander Shelley, a 15-year-old student, was waiting in a hallway when the sound of gunshots rang out. He quickly sought refuge in a classroom, sustaining two grazes. His father, Kevin Shelley, recounted the tense moments when Zander texted him at 7:36 a.m., prompting him to rush to the scene.
Rachael Kares, an 18-year-old senior, was in jazz band practice when she and her peers heard what sounded like gunshots. Kares described the chaotic scene as students and faculty were instructed to run. The swift evacuation was marked by fear and urgency as they fled the premises.
Law Enforcement Agencies Converge on Perry High School
The Perry Police Department, sheriff’s office, and multiple federal agencies, including the FBI and ATF, responded to the tragic incident. Authorities have identified a suspect but have not released the individual’s name at this time.
Multiple emergency medical service (EMS) vehicles were dispatched to the scene at 1200 18th Street, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
Perry High School: Community in Shock on the First Day Back after Winter Break
Perry High School, part of the Perry Community School District, is located approximately 25 miles northwest of Des Moines. The school district’s website indicates an enrollment of about 1,785 students. Notably, Thursday marked the first day back to school after the winter break.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds expressed condolences, stating, “Our hearts are broken by this senseless tragedy. Our prayers are with the students, teachers & families of the Perry Community.” Reynolds has been in contact with law enforcement agencies and continues to monitor the situation.
Ongoing Investigation: Second Press Conference to Provide Updates
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the tragic event, a second press conference is scheduled for Thursday afternoon. This conference aims to shed light on new details as authorities work diligently to uncover the sequence of events that unfolded at Perry High School.
The incident has sent shockwaves through Perry, Iowa, prompting a collective sense of sorrow and concern for the well-being of those affected. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities committed to transparency and keeping the public informed as they navigate through this tragic occurrence.
