Featured Image Credit: WHO / KCCI
Authorities in Iowa have verified that several individuals sustained injuries following a shooting incident at a school earlier today.
The incident unfolded prior to the commencement of classes at Perry High School in Iowa today, January 4th, during a time when there were fewer students and staff present in the building.
During a press conference held after the shooting, Sheriff Adam Infante emphasized that the fact that school had not yet started contributed to a ‘favorable outcome’ in terms of minimizing the number of people harmed.
Nevertheless, Infante verified the existence of several individuals who had sustained gunshot injuries during the incident. He refrained from disclosing a precise count or confirming whether any of the gunshot wounds had resulted in fatalities.
Those affected by the shooting are currently being transported to MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center. Simultaneously, students from the school who were not involved in the incident have been relocated and reunited in a designated area.
Within minutes of receiving reports about an active shooting situation, armed law enforcement swiftly converged on the school. The first reports of the incident started emerging at approximately 7:47 am local time.
The sheriff mentioned that law enforcement has identified the shooter but did not verify whether the individual was a student at the school. However, he assured the public that there is no additional risk to their safety.
“We’re in a secure state,” he stated. “Currently, our focus is on retracing events and piecing together the sequence of what transpired.”
Police have identified the shooter. Credit: NBC News
Kevin Shelley, whose 15-year-old son attends the school, informed the Des Moines Register that his son sustained minor injuries, with a bullet grazing his back and arm.
Shelley shared, “Upon hearing gunshots, my son, who was inside, swiftly began running. Fortunately, he found refuge in a classroom where a vigilant teacher kept them concealed and secure.”
Following the school escape, the teenager rejoined his father and is currently recuperating at home.
Linda Andorf, the board president for the Perry Community School District, characterized the news of the shooting as ‘heart-wrenching’.
According to NBC News, she expressed, “It is horrendously awful. People need to figure out their life. This is just disgusting. It’s terrible.”
Perry High School is a constituent of the Perry Community School District, catering to approximately 1,785 students. Situated approximately 25 miles northwest of Des Moines, it plays a vital role in the local educational landscape.
Authorities are anticipated to provide additional information on the shooting during another press conference scheduled for later today.
White House officials have conveyed that President Joe Biden is closely monitoring the developments regarding the Iowa shooting. Additionally, senior staff members have been in contact with the Iowa governor’s office to stay informed about the situation.
