Multiple injured in Perry, Iowa high school shooting: Live updates

Two people shot in the attack at Perry High School on Thursday were taken to the Iowa Methodist Medical Centre, according to the Associated Press, citing a spokesperson for the hospital.

Other patients were taken to a second hospital in Des Moines, according to a spokesperson for MercyOne Des Moines Medical Centre. However, that individual did not comment on the number of people admitted.

No details were provided concerning the condition of the victims.

Republican presidential primary candidate Vivek Ramaswamy said he converted an already scheduled campaign event in Perry, Iowa, into an opportunity to speak and pray with residents shaken by gun violence at the nearby high school.

Hours before Mr Ramaswamy’s visit, an individual reportedly shot a school administrator at Perry High School before they died via a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The suspect in the Perry High School shooting has reportedly died by self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to a source that spoke to the Associated Press.

One of the individuals shot in the attack was the school’s administrator.

Police confirmed earlier on Thursday that there were “multiple” victims, but could not confirm an exact number.

Dallas County Sheriff Adam Infante said that there were “multiple” gunshot victims found by officers responding to an active shooter call at Perry High School.

He said law enforcement was “unclear” on exactly how many were injured and the extent of their injuries.

Republican presidential primary candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has a campaign stop scheduled in Perry, Iowa this evening, and reportedly plans to attend it as scheduled, despite the fact that a shooting reportedly occurred at Perry High School.

It is unclear if anyone has been injured in the shooting, but ambulances were seen by local reporters at the school.

Mr Ramaswamy asked for prayers for the community on his X/Twitter account.

The candidate’s event will be a “discussion and prayer” session with local voters, according to NBC News.

Kris Brown, the president of Brady, a group fighting to curb gun violence, released a statement today after news broke that a shooting had been reported at a high school in Perry, Iowa.

“New year, same horror. These students were returning to campus after their holiday break only to be met with gun violence that has uniquely plagued their generation. No child should have to hide in their classrooms fearing for their lives. No teacher should have to stand guard over their students potentially shielding them from bullets. No parent should have to fear that any day they send their child to school could be their last.“

“2024 should not start this way for the students of Perry High School or any student in our nation. Our hearts are with all the affected students, teachers, school staff, parents, and community members. This year – as with every year – we are resolved to end this deadly epidemic and free America from gun violence.”

On Thursday morning, authorities were called to the high school, located in Dallas County approximately 30 miles from Des Moines, to investigate and an active shooting.

The Dallas County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to NBC News they were conducting a shooting investigation but did not provide any further details.

Officials have not released any further information regarding the incident.

Local reporters on the scene said several ambulances entered and left the school – it is unclear if there are any injuries or what the extent of those injuries is.