Authorities respond swiftly as gunman opens fire before classes begin

In a devastating turn of events, Perry High School in Iowa became the scene of a mass shooting today as a gunman opened fire before classes commenced. Authorities have confirmed multiple injuries, with the incident occurring when the school had fewer students and staff on the premises.

Sheriff Adam Infante, addressing the press after the shooting, acknowledged the fortunate timing that resulted in a ‘good outcome’ considering the school had not yet started. However, he disclosed that there were multiple gunshot victims, refraining from specifying the number or providing details on potential fatalities.

 Victims are currently being transported to MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, while students not involved in the incident have been relocated and reunited in a designated area. Law enforcement swiftly responded to the active shooting situation, with armed officers swarming the school minutes after reports surfaced at approximately 7:47 am local time.

Sheriff Infante confirmed the identification of the shooter but did not disclose whether the individual was a student. He assured the public that there is no ongoing threat to the community. “The community is safe,” he stated, emphasizing their efforts to reconstruct the sequence of events.

One parent, Kevin Shelley, shared his son’s harrowing experience, stating that the teenager was grazed by a bullet but managed to find refuge in a classroom with a vigilant teacher, ensuring safety. The shaken students are now reuniting with their families.

Linda Andorf, board president for the Perry Community School District, expressed profound sorrow over the incident, describing it as ‘terrible’ and emphasizing the need for people to reassess their lives in the face of such tragedies.

Perry High School, a part of the Perry Community School District serving approximately 1,785 students, is located 25 miles northwest of Des Moines. Law enforcement is expected to provide additional details in a subsequent press conference.

The White House, reacting to the tragedy, has conveyed President Joe Biden’s awareness, with senior staff maintaining contact with the Iowa governor’s office for updates on the situation.