In a horrifying start to the day, Perry High School in Iowa was the scene of a deadly shooting this Thursday morning. Law enforcement officials confirm at least one fatality and multiple injuries. The school, now declared “secured” by Dallas County officials, faces a grim investigation following the traumatic event.

The shooting, which erupted before the school day began, has left the Perry community in shock. Dallas County Sheriff Adam Infante reports that the incident began at around 7:37 a.m. local time. Within minutes, officers were on scene, discovering multiple gunshot victims, though the exact number and severity of injuries remain unclear.

Among those injured was the stepson of Jody Kurth, who was hit in the back and arm but is reportedly “doing really well.” Details on the suspected shooter, identified by the police, have not been released. Sheriff Infante reassured the public, stating, “There is no further danger to the public. The community is safe.”

The FBI’s Des Moines office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives have joined the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation at the scene. The U.S. attorney general has also been briefed on the incident. Authorities are now piecing together the sequence of events in a bid to understand this tragic occurrence.

The shock resonates deeply within the community, with Kurth expressing disbelief: “I really never thought that Perry would have an issue like this.” The timing of the shooting, occurring on the first day back from winter break with few students and faculty present, may have prevented even greater tragedy, according to Infante.

As Perry grapples with the aftermath of this senseless act of violence, the focus shifts to supporting the victims and their families while seeking justice. The community, united in grief, looks towards healing and preventing such tragedies in the future.

  Dallas County, Iowa, Perry High School, USA