Iowa school shooter ‘likely displayed warning signs’ before January attack, report finds

The shooter responsible for two deaths and multiple injuries at an Iowa high school earlier this year “likely displayed warning signs” according to a detailed report from state officials released Friday. 

Seventeen-year-old Dylan Butler, a student at Perry High School, went to class with a pump action shotgun, revolver, knife and an improvised explosive device (IED) on Jan. 4. He used the guns to open fire on his classmates and teachers before taking his own life.

“The evidence confirms this was not a spontaneous act but rather the product of significant preparation and planning,” Dallas County Attorney Jeannine Ritchie wrote in the report. “The evidence suggests the shooting victims appear to have been chosen based on immediate availability and were not specifically targeted. The investigation determined Butler likely displayed warning signs that were unrecognized or unreported.”

Law enforcement came to the conclusion after reviewing the shooter's written and spoken words; more than 180 interviews involving family, friends, and witnesses; video captured at the school that morning; and the examination of collected evidence.

Perry ultimately killed Ahmir Jolliff, a sixth-grade student, and Principal Dan Marburger. He wounded four other students. While injured from gunshots, Marburger called out to Butler multiple times begging him to stop shooting.

Iowa officials said Marburger's actions “diverted” attention from potential victims and ultimately saved the lives of others. The state investigation revealed Butler was “fascinated” by school shooting and “obsessed” with violence. 

“We can say that the shooter in this case did have broad behavioral issues, had broad mental health concerns, and that many of these concerns were present  years in advance of the shooting on January 4th,” Stephan Bayens, commissioner of the Iowa Public Safety Department, said at a press conference. 

Despite Butler’s research on active shooters and violent habits, no reports were made to law enforcement.

After the shooting, leaders like former President Trump shared their condolences with the school’s community. However, Trump quickly urged the Perry community to "get over it."

“I want to send our support and our deepest sympathies to the victims and families touched by the terrible school shooting yesterday in Perry, Iowa,” Trump said. “It’s just horrible, so surprising to see it here. But we have to get over it, we have to move forward.”

In an effort to curb future active shooters, Bayens made a plea to parents at the press conference.

"If you ever get to a moment  where you're looking at your teenage son or daughter and you can't see the bright smiling 4-year-old that used to play in the backyard, and you don't recognize the face across from you, there's a problem," he said. "You need to intervene. If you have a child in crisis, you need to take protective measures."