Report Reveals Perry High School Shooter Tried to Livestream Attack

A report released by the Dallas County Attorney’s Office has revealed that 17-year-old Dylan Butler attempted to livestream his actions as he opened fire at Perry High School earlier this year.
Butler, described by his family as “a quiet person who had been bullied for years,” shot five students and three staff members before killing himself on January 4, 2024.
Ahmir Jolliff, an 11-year-old sixth-grader, died in the shooting, and several others were wounded, including Principal Dan Marburger, who later succumbed to his injuries.
According to the report, Butler entered the school just after 7 a.m. with a shotgun, revolver, knife, and homemade explosive device concealed on his person.
He then spent nearly 25 minutes in a bathroom near the commons area, where he posted to TikTok with the caption “now we wait ” and began live streaming.
While the content of the live stream has not been detailed, it is believed that Butler intended to broadcast his attack in real time.
The report confirms Marburger’s heroic actions during the shooting.
After Butler began firing, Marburger ran toward the gunfire, attempting to stop the shooter and buy time for others to escape.
He was shot in the process but continued his efforts to confront Butler a second time, begging him to admit defeat. Marburger was critically wounded in the shooting and died 10 days later at a Des Moines hospital from his injuries.
“Mr. Marburger was a hero. And I know that it helped the way that he approached that situation, and it saved some lives,” said Perry Schools Superintendent Clark Wicks.
Following Marburger’s passing, Governor Kim Reynolds ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in his honor.
The report indicates that Butler had no prior history of violence or involvement with law enforcement. There were no warnings or reports made to school staff about any threats from Butler on the day of the shooting.
Authorities are now combing through extensive digital evidence from Butler’s social media accounts to investigate his motivations further.
Assistant Principal Brad Snowgren played a key role in preventing further deaths by quickly triggering the school’s alarm system within 10 seconds of the first shot. His action alerted first responders before the first 911 call was even made. Law enforcement arrived at the school in less than two minutes.
Investigators are still uncertain about how Butler obtained the shotgun used in the attack.
Dallas County Attorney Jeannine Ritchie said her office has concluded Butler acted alone, and the investigation found no evidence that anyone had specific knowledge of Butler’s plans or helped him during the attack.
“The evidence suggests his actions that morning were indiscriminate and driven by a desire to commit suicide with the hostile intent of taking others with him,” she said.
The report states the weapon was taken without the owner’s knowledge or permission, though its origin is still undetermined.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.