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A school shooting in Perry, Iowa, on Thursday morning resulted in several injuries and a widespread response from local law enforcement.
A spokesperson for the Perry Police Department confirmed to the Associated Press that a shooting occurred at Perry High School but was unable to provide further information. Newsweek reached out to the Perry Police Department via phone for comment.
According to WeAreIowa news, a spokesperson for the Dallas County Sheriff's Office in Perry also confirmed that there was a shooting on campus. Newsweek reached out to the Dallas County Sheriff's Office via email for comment.
A law enforcement official speaking to AP on the condition of anonymity confirmed that the suspected shooter was dead. The suspect is believed to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, AP reported.
During a press conference on Thursday morning, Dallas County Sheriff Adam Infante said that officers arrived at the school roughly seven minutes after receiving reports of an active shooter and found "multiple gunshot victims."
"We're still unclear on exactly how many were injured or what the extent of those are but we're working on that right now," Infante said.
No information was released about the suspected shooter, but Infante said there is no threat to the public.
In a video posted to X, formerly Twitter, a large police response can be seen outside Perry High School following reports of the shooting.
A number of elected officials responded on social media, such as Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, who said: "Our hearts are broken by this senseless tragedy. Our prayers are with the students, teachers & families of the Perry Community. I have been in contact with law enforcement agencies & am continuing to monitor the situation. I will be joining their press conference today."
Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley said: "Todays appalling violence at Perry HS is heartbreaking Barbara + I are grateful for quick response by school officials &law enforcement to protect students +restore safety. The Perry community is strong& will band 2gether thru hard time Im here 2help if addtl fed resources needed."
New York Representative Brian Higgins wrote: "Our hearts are with the students & families impacted by the horrific shooting at Perry High School today. Students & educators shouldn't fear for their life on a school campus. This senseless violence has to stop."
Des Moines Area Community College issued an announcement on its website Thursday morning saying that it closed the Perry Center and canceling classes in response to the "active violence situation that occurred at Perry High School."
Update 1/4/23, 1:50 p.m. ET: This story has been updated with additional information.
About the writer
Matthew Impelli is a Newsweek staff writer based in New York. His focus is reporting social issues and crime. In ... Read more