Columbine, Sandy Hook, Parkland, Uvalde.  We all know these cities from tragedies that have happened.  When hearing about them, many think that this couldn’t happen in their community.  Early this morning, in the small town Perry, IA, tragedy struck.  At 7:37, Dallas County Communications was made aware of a person with a gun in Perry Middle and High School.  Police Officers were able to respond quickly, and in 7 minutes, they were at the school.  Mitch Mortvet, Assistant Director for the Iowa Criminal of Investigations, spoke at 3pm giving further updates.

The shooter was identified as 17-year-old Dylan Butler, a senior at Perry High School.  Officers were able to evacuate and search both the middle school and high school.

Mortvet says in the press conference that all evidence points to Butler acting alone.

Roughly 150 officers from local, state, and federal agencies responded within an hour of the initial call.  The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation will be the lead agency on this case.  Audio was taken from the Associated Press YouTube page.

Zach Tomesch, News Director KFJB