PERRY, Iowa – Ahmir Jolliff, an 11-year-old sixth-grader, was tragically killed in a school shooting at Perry High School in Perry, Iowa. Known as “Smiley” by his loved ones, Ahmir was a vibrant and joyful boy who was excited to return to school after winter break. He had a passion for soccer, played the tuba, and sang in the choir. Ahmir was always spreading happiness, often reaching out to people and asking about their day.
The shooting occurred before classes even began on the first day back to school. A 17-year-old student at Perry High School opened fire in the cafeteria, causing chaos and devastation. Ahmir, who attended the middle school connected to the high school, was shot three times. Tragically, he did not survive his injuries. Seven others, including the school’s principal, two staff members, and four students, were also wounded before the shooter took his own life.
Ahmir’s mother, Erica Jolliff, recalled the morning of the shooting when her son couldn’t wait to get to school. She left minutes after him with Ahmir’s sister, who is in ninth grade. When authorities arrived on the scene and blocked access to the complex, she frantically searched for her children. Thankfully, her daughter was unharmed, but Ahmir was nowhere to be found. Erica had a gut feeling that he was still inside the building.
Friends of the shooter, identified as 17-year-old Dylan Butler, revealed that he was bullied for years, and they believe the school failed to protect him. Erica expressed her condolences to Dylan’s family and emphasized the importance of administrators checking on students’ well-being.
The shooting took place in the cafeteria, where students from various grades were having breakfast, before spilling outside and being contained to the north end of the school. Butler had a pump-action shotgun and a small-caliber handgun, and authorities discovered an improvised explosive device among his belongings. The investigation aims to gain a better understanding of Dylan’s background and the school environment.
Perry, a small town with a population of about 8,000 residents, is located about 40 miles northwest of Des Moines. The shooting has deeply affected the tight-knit community. Ahmir was widely known and loved by many. His infectious smile and sociable nature made him a positive presence in Perry.
As the community mourns the loss of Ahmir and reels from the tragedy, Erica hopes that the school system and administrators will take this as a lesson to prioritize the safety and well-being of all students. The devastating loss should not be in vain, and efforts must be made to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
In summary, Ahmir Jolliff’s life was taken far too soon in a tragic school shooting in Perry, Iowa. The 11-year-old boy, also known as “Smiley,” was full of joy and warmth, leaving a lasting impact on everyone he encountered. The circumstances surrounding the shooter, Dylan Butler, and the details of the shooting are still under investigation. The Perry community continues to grieve and reflect on how to prevent such senseless acts of violence in the future.