World

At least 1 killed in shooting at Iowa high school

January 5, 2024 7:30 am

[Source: ABC News]

At least one person was killed and others injured in a shooting Thursday morning at Perry High School in Iowa, according to law enforcement officials briefed on the situation.

The suspected shooter is also dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to multiple law enforcement sources, ABC News has learned.

The scene is now “secured,” according to Dallas County, Iowa, officials.

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Three patients were being treated at Iowa Methodist Medical Center for gunshot wounds, according to a hospital spokesperson. Their conditions are unknown.

An active shooting incident was reported at approximately 7:37 a.m. local time, Dallas County Sheriff Adam Infante told reporters during a press briefing.

Infante said an officer responded to the school seven minutes later and located “multiple gunshot victims,” though it is unclear at this time how many or the extent of their injuries. The sheriff did not say who was among the victims.

The sheriff said police have identified the suspected shooter, but did not release any additional details on the suspect.

Jody Kurth told reporters that her stepson was struck in the back and arm in the shooting, but is “doing really well.”

She said her daughter texted her about the shooting.

The shooting occurred before the school day had started, and there were very few students and faculty in the building, “which I think contributed to a good outcome in that sense,” Infante said. Thursday was the first day of school back from the winter break.

The school district will be closed on Friday, school officials said.

The FBI’s resident agent at its Des Moines office has responded to the scene to assist the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the FBI said. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is also on scene.

The U.S. attorney general has been briefed on the incident, a Department of Justice spokesperson said.

Perry is located in the suburbs northwest of Des Moines.

Police plan to hold another press update Thursday afternoon, where they will be joined by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds.

President Joe Biden is monitoring the shooting, the White House said Thursday.