Principal Among those Injured in Iowa School Shooting

Perry, IA (WorkersCompensation.com) – The daughter of a high school principal injured in a school shooting in Iowa said he was protecting kids from the shooter.

On Jan. 4, the first day back to school after the holiday break for Perry High School, a 17-year-old student, Dylan Butler, entered the school just before sunrise and opened fire. In the end, the shooting killed a sixth grade student and injured five others, including principal Dan Marburger, 56.

The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (IDCI) said Butler was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities said Butler had posted videos on social media, including one of him on TikTok where he is facing the camera with a blue duffel bag and the caption “Now we wait.”

Within minutes of the first shots, police were on the scene and saw students and faculty running for safety or sheltering in place, Mitch Mortvedt, assistant director for IDCI said. While the shooting took place before classes began, it happened while a breakfast program was going on and students from other nearby schools were on the campus. The deceased victim was a student at Perry Middle School, Mortvedt said.

Officers said when they secured the school they found an improvised explosive device, as well as the weapons used by Butler – a shotgun and a small-caliber handgun.

According to police reports, Marburger tried to distract and placate Butler so that other students could flee the building.

Claire Marburger, Principal Marburger’s daughter, posted on Facebook that she thought her father would be a victim of the shooting when she heard it was happening. His first priority, she said, was to put himself between the shooter and the students and staff.

“As I heard of a gunman, I instantly had a feeling my Dad would be a victim as he would put himself in harm’s way for the benefit of the kids and his staff,” Claire Marburger wrote. “It is absolutely zero surprise to hear he tried to approach and talk Dylan down and distract him long enough for some students to get out of the cafeteria. That’s just Dad.”

Officials said Marburger is in stable condition, but is devastated about what happened, about the suspect, the victims and the community. He has served as principal since 1995, officials with the Easton Valley Community School District said.

Linda Andorf, president of the local school board, praised Marburger for his actions.

“He is the biggest supporter of kids,” Andorf said.

Teachers within the school said Marburger is loved and respected.

"I don't think you can say Perry High School without saying Dan Marburger. Everybody knows who he is," Gary Overla, a Perry High School teacher told KCCI.

Marburger’s actions were praised by other communities that have seen school shooting violence. On Friday, the Uvalde Foundation For Kids honored Marburger as a hero with its National Award for Heroism because of his actions to protect students. Marburger is being honored with the foundation's National Award for Heroism due to his actions and effort to protect students, according to a release. Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas was the sight of a school shooting in 2022 that resulted in the deaths of 19 students and two teachers, as well as the injury of 17 others. The Uvalde Foundation for Kids was founded in response to the shooting.

"This is the true definition of a hero," a foundation news release stated. "This gentlemen represents the growing voice of the mothers, fathers, students and community members who do not merely stand in words against violence against our students, but also in action! This individual took a vow to care for his students - He did so valiantly and joins a host of heroes across this nation who place themselves in danger to protect our children. We honor Mr. Marburger.”

In her Facebook post, Claire Marburger called for grace toward the Butler family, and asked community members to post stories about her father.

“Show grace to the Butler family, as we are not our kids mistakes and actions or our parents mistakes and actions. Remember this is something Dylan’s family has to live with too, as well as losing their child,” she wrote. “Please, please let’s share the positive memories and things of our school and community. If you have a funny, uplifting story, or something dumb you did that got you in trouble with my Dad please share that. We need a smile and laugh.”

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