Many others were also injured in the firing.
A shooting at Perry High School in Iowa left at least one person dead and several others injured Thursday morning, law enforcement officials said.
According to Dallas County, Iowa officials, the scene is now “safe.”
Two patients are being treated at Iowa Methodist Medical Center, a hospital spokeswoman said. Their conditions are unknown.
Dallas County Sheriff Adam Infante told reporters that the active shooter was reported at 7:37 a.m. local time.
An officer responded to the school seven minutes later and found “multiple gunshot victims,” though it's unclear at this time how many or the extent of their injuries, Infante said. The sheriff did not say who the victims were.
The sheriff said police have identified the suspected shooter, but did not release additional details about the suspect.
“There is no longer any danger to the public. The community is safe,” Infante said. “We're working backwards now, trying to figure out everything that happened and make announcements.”
Jody Kurd told reporters her stepson was hit in the back and arm in the shooting but is “doing fine.”
He said his daughter texted him about the shooting.
“It was absolutely terrifying, one of the worst moments of my entire life,” she said. “But the best phone call I got was that they were fine.”
“I never thought Peri would have such a problem,” he added.
The shooting happened before the start of the school day, and there were very few students and teachers in the building, “I think that contributed to a good outcome in that sense,” Infante said. Thursday was the first day of school back from winter break.
The FBI's resident agent in its Des Moines office responded to the scene to assist the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the FBI said. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is also on the scene.
A Department of Justice spokesperson said the US Attorney General has been briefed on the incident.
Perry is located in the northwest suburbs of Des Moines.
Police plan to hold another press conference Thursday afternoon.
This is a growing story. Check back for updates.
