On the first day back from winter break, a predictable and preventable tragedy struck Perry Middle & High School in the small town of Perry, Iowa. A 17-year-old student, armed with a shotgun and pistol, opened fire in the school before classes began. The attack resulted in the death of a 6th-grader, injuries to four other students and a school administrator, and ended with the shooter taking his own life. This devastating event sheds light on critical planning factors often overlooked by both police and school administrators.
According to the extensive research of David Riedman, founder of the K12 School Shooting Database here are important points to understand:
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Attacks Before Classes Start: Planned attacks can occur during the crucial period before classes start when the school building is open, but security measures are not yet fully in place. This incident at Perry High School emphasizes the need for comprehensive security protocols that account for the time before teachers, staff, and security personnel have fully arrived.
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Not Limited to Classrooms: Contrary to common assumptions, most school shootings do not take place within classrooms. Perry High’s incident unfolded in the cafeteria and hallways, underscoring the importance of broadening active shooter response plans to include common areas where students gather.
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Small Communities Are Not Immune: Dispelling the myth that school shootings only happen in larger cities, the data reveals that eight of the ten school shootings with the highest casualties occurred in communities with populations less than 50,000. Vigilance and preparedness are essential, regardless of a community’s size.
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Insider Attacks and Bullying: The Perry High School shooting, like many others, was an insider attack carried out by a current student. The shooter’s experiences of continuous bullying, especially towards his sister, underscore the need for comprehensive anti-bullying measures and mental health support within schools.
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School Shootings Can Involve Bombs: School shootings are often planned as both shootings and bombings. This demands a reevaluation of lockdown procedures, especially in the presence of explosive devices. Standard procedures must consider the potential dangers beyond gun violence.
David Riedman’s research supports the following mitigation strategies to prevent the next attack:
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Public Education and Reporting: Implementing a public education campaign along with a standardized reporting system, akin to “see something, say something,” can empower individuals to report red flags and potential threats.
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Crisis Intervention Programs: Communities need fully funded crisis intervention programs that address risk factors before individuals resort to violence. Early identification and support for those in crisis can be instrumental in preventing tragic incidents.
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Federal ‘Red Flag’ Laws: The adoption of federal ‘red flag’ laws is crucial to enable authorities to intervene and remove access to firearms for individuals identified as threats to themselves or others.
The Perry High School shooting serves as a somber reminder that school shootings can happen anywhere. To break the cycle, we must collectively address the multifaceted issues contributing to these incidents. By prioritizing public education, crisis intervention programs, and legislation that enables preventative action, we can work towards a safer future for our schools and communities. As David Riedman reminds us, we cannot normalize these tragic events as “status quo” but strive for meaningful change.
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