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Iowa leaders, elected officials react to Perry High School shooting

Iowa leaders, elected officials react to Perry High School shooting
WEST DES MOINES, THERE THIS MORNING, ALONG WITH CLIVE, URBANDALE, WE HAVE TODD MAGEL IN TO TALK ABOUT SORT OF THE TIMELINE OF THIS AND THAT MASSIVE LAW ENFORCEMENT RESPONSE, WHICH WAS SO TENSE IN THOSE MOMENTS. IT WAS ALEX AND ERIC, THE DISPATCH RECORDINGS YOU’RE GOING TO HEAR SHOW A CALM, PROFESSIONAL, BUT CLEARLY A VERY CONCERNED LAW ENFORCEMENT EFFORT TO DEAL WITH THIS SCHOOL SHOOTING, THE EMERGENCY RADIO TRAFFIC BEGAN SHORTLY AFTER 730. AS WE MENTIONED, AROUND 737 THIS MORNING. NOW, WHAT YOU WILL HEAR NEXT IS A COMBINATION OF DALLAS COUNTY SHERIFF’S DISPATCHER DEPUTIES AND EMS PERSONNEL. AS THAT FIRSTRILLIONEPORT WENT OUT, ALL UNITS OF DALLAS COUNTY, WE’VE GOT AN ACTIVE, SERIOUS, ACTIVE AT PERRY HIGH SCHOOL, ACTIVE SERIOUS ACTIVATION AT PERRY HIGH SCHOOL. IT’S GOING TO BE IN REFERENCE TO A POSSIBLE GUNSHOTS, POSSIBLE GUNSHOTS AT PERRY HIGH SCHOOL SWUNG DIRECT. DO YOU HAVE ACCESS TO THE CAMERAS? WE’RE GETTING PULLED UP NOW. LET ME DOWN IN THE HALLWAY. COPY. WE SEE SOMETHING ON THE WEST HALLWAY. WEST HALLWAY? WHAT CHANNEL AM I SWITCHING TO? THERE’S A LITTLE BIT OF A MALE SUBJECT DOWN IN THE HALLWAY. APPEARS TO BE SELF-INFLICTED. OH. SHOT WOUND. I’M SHOWING OTHER VICTIMS. DALLAS. SUBJECT THAT’S DOWN. IS DECEASED. COPY. SUBJECT DOWN. DECEASED. LOCATION. WE ARE OUTSIDE OF ROOM 308. I NEED MULTIPLE AMBULANCES, SO WE’RE GOING TO NEED BOTH OTHER EMS UNITS HEADED THAT WAY. DO WE HAVE A NUMBER OF VICTIMS OR AN ESTIMATED NUMBER OF VICTIMS? COPY. WE’RE GETTING MULTIPLE REPORTS. DALLAS 5993. LET’S GO AHEAD AND PUT BOTH THE HELICOPTERS IN ROUTE. ALSO, LET’S GET VERY CLEAR THERE SO THAT WE CAN HAVE LANDING ZONE AND WE CAN START TRIAGE. WE’VE GOT TWO PATIENTS IN OUR AMBULANCE. CAN YOU RESERVE A HELICOPTER FOR ME? HOW MANY PATIENTS DO WE HAVE ON SCENE? UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME WE HAVE TWO IN OUR TRUCK. REPORTS OF MULTIPLE INSIDE DALLAS AND POLK COUNTY BEEN ADVISED TO ADVISE LOCAL HOSPITALS OF POSSIBLE MASS CASUALTY INCIDENT. COPY. WE’RE CALLING THEM NOW THE MIDDLE SCHOOL HAS BEEN, UH, CLEARED. UM, OFFICERS ARE DOING A SECONDARY SWEEP. WE’VE GOT TRIAGE AREA CURRENTLY, AND HE’S ADVISING NO OTHER INCOMING UNITS NEED TO COME INTO THE SCHOOL. RIGHT NOW. I AM IN, UH, COMMAND OF EMS TRANSPORT. WE BELIEVE THAT WE HAVE OUR MOST CRITICAL OUT NOW. THAT’S JUST THE ARC OF SORT OF WHAT HAPPENED. THE ENTIRE EXCHANGE TOOK ABOUT AN HOUR. WE’VE EDITED THAT DOWN AND WHAT I THINK YOU CAN TAKE AWAY FROM THAT, IT SEEMS CLEAR THAT AT LEAST TWO PEOPLE, AS WE’VE BEEN REPORTING, WERE INJURED WITH MULTIPLE GUNSHOT WOUNDS THAT CAME IN SOME OF THAT DISPATCH DIALOG AND THAT IT APPEARS B
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Iowa leaders, elected officials react to Perry High School shooting
A shooting took place at Perry High School early Thursday morning, resulting in the death of a sixth-grader and multiple injuries to other students and the school principal.LIVE UPDATES: See the latest breaking news from the Perry High School shooting hereWhile first responders and law enforcement responded to the scene in Perry, elected officials and other community leaders shared their reactions to the tragedy.Statements will continue to be added below as more are provided.Watch: 'It is absolutely a nightmare': Family members of Perry High School shooting victims share emotionsPerry Education AssociationThe Perry Education Association released a statement Thursday afternoon."The Perry Education Association will continue to support our community as we work together to comfort and heal. Our schools and the students and families filling our hallways and classrooms are our heart and soul. We are grief-stricken and pledge to stand together in the face of this tragedy and work to rebuild and grow again."The White HouseA statement from the White House press secretary:"We're just a couple of days into the New Year and we're talking about another shooting, and that is heartbreaking and heart-wrenching... And we're going to continue to call on Congress to act."We created the first Anti-Gun Violence Office which is incredibly important. It's helping — it's going to help communities like the community in Iowa, but we also have to implement these more than two dozen executive actions that the president signed into law."Republican presidential candidate Nikki HaleyNikki Haley posted a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter."No parent, student, or teacher should have to wake up and face news about a school shooting. My heart aches for the victims of Perry, Iowa and the entire community."Iowa Democratic PartyRita Hart, chair of the Iowa Democratic Party, released a statement.“I am so sad and so sorry that the Perry community is living this nightmare that has happened far too often across our country. "Our schools have always been places of hope and support, where students go to learn new skills and gain the experiences that lead them to future success. Our students should be able to focus on creating brighter futures for themselves while they are in their classrooms, not looking for escape routes, hiding places, or fearing for their safety. "The Perry community deserves better. Iowa deserves better.”Iowa Attorney General Brenna BirdIowa Attorney General Brenna Bird released the following statement:"I’m devastated by the senseless and horrific shooting at Perry High School this morning. As a mother, my heart aches for the families of all students and staff impacted."We thank the officers who acted swiftly and courageously to restore safety. And we will continue to work with law enforcement and first responders to offer our support and assistance. Our prayers go out to the students, the teachers, their families, and the entire Perry community."Iowa Firearms CoalitionThe Iowa Firearms Coalition released a statement condemning the shooting."Our prayers are with the Perry community following this morning's act of evil. Iowa must, finally, harden soft-targets and empower school staff who love their children enough to protect them to do so. Signs don't stop evil, good people do," said IFC President, Dave Funk.Joni Ernst, US SenatorU.S. Sen. Joni Ernst released a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter."My team is in touch with officials in Dallas County about the heartbreaking situation at Perry High School. Join us in praying for the safety and recovery of those involved. Thank you to law enforcement for the swift response."Iowa Gov. Kim ReynoldsGov. Kim Reynolds released a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter."Our hearts are broken by this senseless tragedy. Our prayers are with the students, teachers & families of the Perry Community."I have been in contact with law enforcement agencies & am continuing to monitor the situation. I will be joining their press conference today."US Rep. Zach Nunn, Iowa's 3rd DistrictZach Nunn, U.S. Rep. from Iowa's 3rd District, which includes Perry, released the following statement Thursday morning:“After today’s tragic attack at Perry High School, I’ve remained in close contact with first-responders who have indicated to me that the school is now secure."As a parent and community member, I’m beyond angry. My heart, and my commitment to holding those accountable, is with the community of Perry. We have a duty to protect our children, families, and educators."I remain in touch with first responders and local leaders in Perry, and I will continue to monitor the situation closely. We will not rest until there is full accountability for this heinous act of violence.”Chuck Grassley, US SenatorU.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley shared a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter:"Todays appalling violence at Perry HS is heartbreaking Barbara + I are grateful for quick response by school officials &law enforcement to protect students +restore safety. The Perry community is strong& will band 2gether thru hard time Im here 2help if addtl fed resources needed"Vivek Ramaswamy, Republican presidential candidateVivek Ramaswamy’s campaign says he was in Perry Thursday morning for a campaign event.“We pray for the victims of the tragic high school shooting in Perry, Iowa. I happened to be there today right after it happened, we canceled our event and converted it to a prayer & open conversation. Strikingly, the first two people who spoke to us each said they 'weren’t surprised' & that it was just a matter of time before something like this happened. We have a psychological sickness at the core of our country right now.”Des Moines Police Department“That’s one of the big pieces that make this successful. You have the inter-agency training that starts months and years before you have an incident like this. If you are not ready and not planning, you are behind. No community is immune to this," said Sgt. Paul Parizek, with the Des Moines Police Department.Iowa State Education AssociationIowa State Education Association released the following statement from president Mike Beranek and vice president Joshua Brown:"We are heartbroken by this tragedy and know that words cannot express the sorrow we feel for the victims and the pain that everyone in the community feels. Like schools across the state, Perry High School is a place for learning, growth, and friendship. Iowa’s public schools are the heart of all our communities; today, our hearts are shattered."We will continue to be a source of strength for one another during this challenging time, and in the face of this tragedy and so many before it, it is helpful to remember the values that truly bind us together – resilience, hope, and love."Des Moines Public SchoolsDes Moines Public Schools officials released the following statement:"Des Moines Public Schools maintains a 24/7/365 security presence throughout the district, which ranges from cameras and other technology to the design of our buildings to our own 15-person public safety staff. While today’s shooting in Perry was isolated, it is a stark reminder about why our investments in these efforts are needed and continue to be enhanced."Our hearts go out to our colleagues and everyone in the Perry community. School shootings, no matter where they happen, are always a concern for those of us who work in education as well as our students and our families. Our counselors are available today for students or staff who need a space to talk about their concerns."Get the latest headlines from vlog

A shooting took place at Perry High School early Thursday morning, resulting in the death of a sixth-grader and multiple injuries to other students and the school principal.

LIVE UPDATES: See the latest breaking news from the Perry High School shooting here

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While first responders and law enforcement responded to the scene in Perry, elected officials and other community leaders shared their reactions to the tragedy.

Statements will continue to be added below as more are provided.

Watch: 'It is absolutely a nightmare': Family members of Perry High School shooting victims share emotions

Perry Education Association

The Perry Education Association released a statement Thursday afternoon.

"The Perry Education Association will continue to support our community as we work together to comfort and heal. Our schools and the students and families filling our hallways and classrooms are our heart and soul. We are grief-stricken and pledge to stand together in the face of this tragedy and work to rebuild and grow again."

The White House

A statement from the White House press secretary:

"We're just a couple of days into the New Year and we're talking about another shooting, and that is heartbreaking and heart-wrenching... And we're going to continue to call on Congress to act.

"We created the first Anti-Gun Violence Office which is incredibly important. It's helping — it's going to help communities like the community in Iowa, but we also have to implement these more than two dozen executive actions that the president signed into law."

Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley

Nikki Haley posted a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"No parent, student, or teacher should have to wake up and face news about a school shooting. My heart aches for the victims of Perry, Iowa and the entire community."

This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

Iowa Democratic Party

Rita Hart, chair of the Iowa Democratic Party, released a statement.

“I am so sad and so sorry that the Perry community is living this nightmare that has happened far too often across our country.

"Our schools have always been places of hope and support, where students go to learn new skills and gain the experiences that lead them to future success. Our students should be able to focus on creating brighter futures for themselves while they are in their classrooms, not looking for escape routes, hiding places, or fearing for their safety.

"The Perry community deserves better. Iowa deserves better.”

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird released the following statement:

"I’m devastated by the senseless and horrific shooting at Perry High School this morning. As a mother, my heart aches for the families of all students and staff impacted.

"We thank the officers who acted swiftly and courageously to restore safety. And we will continue to work with law enforcement and first responders to offer our support and assistance. Our prayers go out to the students, the teachers, their families, and the entire Perry community."

Iowa Firearms Coalition

The Iowa Firearms Coalition released a statement condemning the shooting.

"Our prayers are with the Perry community following this morning's act of evil. Iowa must, finally, harden soft-targets and empower school staff who love their children enough to protect them to do so. Signs don't stop evil, good people do," said IFC President, Dave Funk.

Joni Ernst, US Senator

U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst released a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"My team is in touch with officials in Dallas County about the heartbreaking situation at Perry High School. Join us in praying for the safety and recovery of those involved. Thank you to law enforcement for the swift response."

This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds

Gov. Kim Reynolds released a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"Our hearts are broken by this senseless tragedy. Our prayers are with the students, teachers & families of the Perry Community.

"I have been in contact with law enforcement agencies & am continuing to monitor the situation. I will be joining their press conference today."

This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

US Rep. Zach Nunn, Iowa's 3rd District

Zach Nunn, U.S. Rep. from Iowa's 3rd District, which includes Perry, released the following statement Thursday morning:

“After today’s tragic attack at Perry High School, I’ve remained in close contact with first-responders who have indicated to me that the school is now secure.

"As a parent and community member, I’m beyond angry. My heart, and my commitment to holding those accountable, is with the community of Perry. We have a duty to protect our children, families, and educators.

"I remain in touch with first responders and local leaders in Perry, and I will continue to monitor the situation closely. We will not rest until there is full accountability for this heinous act of violence.”

Chuck Grassley, US Senator

U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley shared a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter:

"Todays appalling violence at Perry HS is heartbreaking Barbara + I are grateful for quick response by school officials &law enforcement to protect students +restore safety. The Perry community is strong& will band 2gether thru hard time Im here 2help if addtl fed resources needed"

This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

Vivek Ramaswamy, Republican presidential candidate

Vivek Ramaswamy’s campaign says he was in Perry Thursday morning for a campaign event.

“We pray for the victims of the tragic high school shooting in Perry, Iowa. I happened to be there today right after it happened, we canceled our event and converted it to a prayer & open conversation. Strikingly, the first two people who spoke to us each said they 'weren’t surprised' & that it was just a matter of time before something like this happened. We have a psychological sickness at the core of our country right now.”

Des Moines Police Department

“That’s one of the big pieces that make this successful. You have the inter-agency training that starts months and years before you have an incident like this. If you are not ready and not planning, you are behind. No community is immune to this," said Sgt. Paul Parizek, with the Des Moines Police Department.

Iowa State Education Association

Iowa State Education Association released the following statement from president Mike Beranek and vice president Joshua Brown:

"We are heartbroken by this tragedy and know that words cannot express the sorrow we feel for the victims and the pain that everyone in the community feels. Like schools across the state, Perry High School is a place for learning, growth, and friendship. Iowa’s public schools are the heart of all our communities; today, our hearts are shattered.

"We will continue to be a source of strength for one another during this challenging time, and in the face of this tragedy and so many before it, it is helpful to remember the values that truly bind us together – resilience, hope, and love."

Des Moines Public Schools

Des Moines Public Schools officials released the following statement:

"Des Moines Public Schools maintains a 24/7/365 security presence throughout the district, which ranges from cameras and other technology to the design of our buildings to our own 15-person public safety staff. While today’s shooting in Perry was isolated, it is a stark reminder about why our investments in these efforts are needed and continue to be enhanced.

"Our hearts go out to our colleagues and everyone in the Perry community. School shootings, no matter where they happen, are always a concern for those of us who work in education as well as our students and our families. Our counselors are available today for students or staff who need a space to talk about their concerns."

Get the latest headlines from vlog