"Perry, Iowa Mourns Heroic Principal and Joyful Sixth-Grader Lost in School Shooting Tragedy"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by PBS NewsHour
A 17-year-old student opened fire at Perry High School in Iowa, killing an 11-year-old and injuring seven others before dying from a self-inflicted gunshot. The principal and other staff members are being hailed as heroes for their actions during the incident. The shooter's motive remains unclear, but bullying and social media presence are being investigated. The community is mourning and showing solidarity, with plans to keep the high school closed for a week. The incident has also entered the discourse of the Republican presidential caucuses in Iowa, with candidates discussing gun rights and mental health rather than policy changes.