PERRY, Iowa – A school shooting in Perry, Iowa, on the first day back from winter break has left multiple people wounded, sending shockwaves through the small town and casting a shadow over the upcoming Republican presidential caucuses.
Chaos in the Early Hours:
Shortly after 7:30 a.m. CST, gunfire erupted at Perry High School, prompting a swift response from local law enforcement. Dallas County Sheriff Adam Infante confirmed “multiple victims” in a news briefing, though the exact number and extent of their injuries remain unclear. While initial reports from some media outlets, including ABC News, claimed at least one fatality, Sheriff Infante neither confirmed nor denied this information during the briefing.
Unfolding Details:
Authorities identified the shooter but withheld further details, citing the ongoing investigation. CNN and NBC News, citing law enforcement sources, reported the suspect died by suicide. The scene drew a significant response, with agents from the FBI and ATF joining local police, and the U.S. Attorney General receiving a briefing.
Community in Shock:
The shooting occurred on the scheduled first day of the spring semester, fortunately before most students and faculty had arrived. Sheriff Infante acknowledged this timing might have minimized the number of casualties. The incident sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community of Perry, located about 40 miles northwest of Des Moines.
Impact on Politics:
Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, who had planned a rally in Perry, pivoted to an in-person prayer meeting after the shooting. Iowa holds the first-in-the-nation caucuses for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination in just 11 days, adding another layer of tension to an already contentious race.
Continuing Updates:
Authorities continue to investigate the shooting, and further details regarding the victims, the motive, and the shooter’s identity are expected in the coming hours. This developing story will be updated as more information becomes available.
In the meantime, our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the entire Perry community during this difficult time.
