An active shooting has been reported at Perry High School in Perry, Iowa.
According to AP, the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office said the incident started at around 7:37 a.m., outside of the school, near 1200 18th Street. Emergency vehicles were seen surrounding the scene, including a nearby middle school.
Students had just returned to school after winter break when the shooting occurred. So far, it’s unclear whether anyone was injured but Perry High School teacher Lori Meinecke said around six or seven gunshots were heard close to around 7:40 a.m., along with school coaches telling everyone to leave the area, Raccoon Valley Radio reports.
I have ordered all flags to be lowered to half staff in support of the Perry community.
This senseless tragedy has shaken our entire state to its core. I want this community to know that every Iowan stands with you.https://t.co/gCLpf9idW1
— Gov. Kim Reynolds (@IAGovernor) January 4, 2024
Police held a briefing at 10 a.m. CST, near the Perry High School football field, and stated there were multiple gunshot victims. Police said that there are no threats at this time and the scene has been secured.
The shooter has been identified but the name has not yet been released, although NBC News reports that several law enforcement sources said that the shooter has died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
At least one middle school student has been confirmed dead and five others injured.
Officials said that it appears that the shooter acted alone.
“The community is safe,” Dallas County Sheriff Adam Infante said. “School didn’t start yet luckily, so there were very few students and faculty in the building.”
“Luckily, so there were very few students and faculty in the building, which I think contributed to a good outcome in that sense.”
“There are a bunch of speculative numbers floating around,” Perry’s mayor, Dirk Cavanaugh, added. “We have no confirmed numbers of who was involved yet.”
The story is developing. Check back for updates.
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[Feature Photo: Police respond to Perry High School in Perry, Iowa., Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024. Police say there has been a shooting at the city’s high school.(AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)]
