Henry County school districts respond to Perry shooting

MT. PLEASANT — Henry County schools responded to news of a school shooting at Perry High School in Central Iowa Thursday morning with increased police presence and signs of support.

“As you may be aware, there has been an incident of school violence this morning at Perry high School, which is in a community just outside of Des Moines,” letters to Henry County School District families stated. “While the details are not yet clear, our thoughts are with the students, staff, and families of Perry at this time.”

According to comments made by Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation Assistant Director Mitch Mortvedt, Perry Police Department responded to an active shooter at 7:37 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 4.

“Perry Police Officers responded within minutes,” Mortvedt said. “They immediately made entry and witnessed students and faculty either sheltering in place or running from the school.”

Mortvedt stated that authorities found the suspected gunman, 17-year-old Dylan Butler, with self-inflicted gunshot wounds. During a sweep of the building, they also found an improvised explosive device which officials rendered safe.

According to Mortvedt, one sixth grade student died, and four students and one administrator were injured in the incident.

“Numerous officers from multiple agencies were able to secure the school and verify no additional threats,” Mortvedt said.

Mt. Pleasant Community School District Superintendent John Henriksen stated that he spoke with local law enforcement officials, including the Mt. Pleasant Police Department, their school resource officer, and the Henry County Sheriff’s Office. Letters to the communities from MPCSD and Winfield-Mt. Union Community School District both stated that law enforcement officials believe the incident in Perry is an isolated incident and there is no indication of an active threat to school safety in Henry County.

“Out of an abundance of caution, I’ve asked the police department and the sheriff’s office to increase the patrols and presence in and around our schools,” Henriksen wrote.

Both schools stated, “The safety and security of our school community remains [their] top priority,” as WMU CSD also assured the community of increased police presence in the community Thursday.

With consideration to the difficulties some students may face processing news like this, school counselors will be available and ready to assist as needed.

“We encourage students to stop by the counseling office at their school at any time they need support,” the letters say.

The superintendents encourage school district families to reach out to them with any questions or concerns.

“Our hearts are heavy today, and our prayers are with the Perry Community,” Gov. Kim Reynolds said at the Thursday afternoon press conference. “This strikes to the heart of everything we hold dear. This senseless tragedy has shaken our entire state to the core, and I want this community to know that every Iowan stands with you.”

Local schools echoed Gov. Kim Reynolds’s sentiments from the press conference in action and words.

WMU CSD posted to social media asking staff and students to wear blue and white to school Friday, Jan. 5 to show their condolences to Perry Community School District. They also encouraged fans to wear blue and white to the home boys’ and girls’ basketball games Friday evening.

“We sent out a message to all our families and students to wear White and Blue, the school colors of Perry CSD tomorrow [Friday],” New London Community School District Superintendent Chad Wahls said.

While WACO CSD still is on winter break until Jan. 8, they also took to social media to express their sympathies for Perry saying, “Our hearts and thoughts are with the students, staff, families, and community of Perry, Iowa.”

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com