Who Was Dan Marburger? The Perry High School Principal Who Gave His Life in Lowa Shot by Dylan Butler
Dan Marburger, the principal of Perry High School in Iowa, passed away on Sunday, January 14, 2024, after being shot by a student gunman on January 4. He was hailed as a hero for his selfless and courageous actions to protect his students from the shooter, who also killed an 11-year-old boy and injured six others.
Marburger, who had been the principal of the school since 1995, was beloved by the school community and the state of Iowa for his dedication and leadership.
A tragic day at Perry High School
The shooting occurred on the morning of January 4, when a 17-year-old student named Dylan Butler entered the school cafeteria with a shotgun and a handgun and opened fire indiscriminately. He also had a “pretty rudimentary” explosive device among his belongings, according to the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.
Dan Marburger, who was in his office at the time, heard the gunshots and rushed to the scene. He tried to “talk down” the shooter and distract him, giving some students a chance to escape, according to his daughter Clare. He was shot in the chest and abdomen by Butler, who then turned the gun on himself and died by suicide.
BREAKING: Perry High School Iowa principal Dan Marburger has succumbed to his injuries sustained from gunshot wounds when a trans shooter shot up his school.
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) January 14, 2024
Dan reportedly stood in harm’s way and distracted the shooter while students escaped.
RIP to this hero 🙏🏻
His family… pic.twitter.com/1ZjVAwclVn
One of the students who was killed in the shooting was Ahmir Joliff, an 11-year-old sixth-grader who was shot three times. Six other people, including three students, a teacher, a school resource officer, and a police officer, were wounded and taken to the hospital.
Marburger was also transported to the hospital, where he underwent several surgeries and remained in critical condition for 10 days. His family and friends prayed for his recovery and set up a GoFundMe page to support his medical expenses. The page raised over $200,000 from more than 3,000 donors.
However, on Sunday, January 14, Marburger succumbed to his injuries and died at 8:00 a.m. local time. His wife Elizabeth announced the news on the GoFundMe page, writing, “After 10 days, he lost his battle and this tragedy took his life. Although Dan is no longer fighting with us here, his family will continue to deal with the unfathomable for many days, weeks, and years to come.”
A Legacy of Heroism and Leadership
Marburger’s death sparked an outpouring of grief and gratitude from the school community and the state of Iowa. He was praised for his heroism and leadership, as well as his kindness and compassion.
JUST IN: Perry High School shooting victim, Principal Dan Marburger, has died after a 10 day battle after getting shot by a student with "he/they" pronouns.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) January 14, 2024
According to Gov. Kim Reynolds, Marburger put himself in harm's way to protect students.
"Dan courageously put himself in… pic.twitter.com/XBd2o464R5
“Dan was a tremendous leader in our school district and a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Our school community is heartbroken by Dan’s death,” officials with the Perry Community School District said in a statement.
“Our entire state is devastated by the news of Dan Marburger’s death,” Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds said in a statement Sunday. “Dan courageously put himself in harm’s way to protect his students, and ultimately gave his own life to save them. He will forever be remembered for his selfless and heroic actions. May he rest in peace.”
Reynolds also ordered flags across the state to fly at half-staff until sunset on the day of Marburger’s funeral.
Marburger’s daughter Clare wrote a heartfelt tribute to her father on Facebook, describing him as “the most amazing dad, husband, grandpa, son, brother, uncle, friend, and principal.” She said he was passionate about education and loved his students and staff. She also thanked everyone who supported her family and prayed for her father.
“He fought so hard for 10 days and we are so proud of him. He is our hero and always will be. We love you dad,” she wrote.
A call for Action and Healing
The shooting at Perry High School was one of the deadliest school shootings in Iowa’s history and the first one since 1991. It also came less than two weeks before the Republican presidential caucuses in Iowa, which drew attention from national and international media.
President Joe Biden was briefed on the shooting and the White House contacted the Iowa governor’s office. Biden expressed his condolences and called for action to prevent gun violence.
“No child should have to fear going to school in the morning. No parent should have to worry if their child will come home at night. No educator should have to wonder if they will make it through the day. We have to act,” Biden said in a statement.
The shooting also sparked a debate on gun laws and mental health in Iowa, which has some of the most lenient gun regulations in the country. Some lawmakers and activists called for stricter background checks, red flag laws, and bans on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. Others argued that more guns and armed teachers would make schools safer and deter shooters.
Meanwhile, the Perry community was trying to heal from the trauma and loss. The school district offered counseling and support services to students and staff. A candlelight vigil was held on January 5 to honor the victims and survivors. A memorial service was planned for January 15 to celebrate Marburger’s life.
The school district also announced that it would rename the Perry High School cafeteria as the Dan Marburger Cafeteria, in honor of his bravery and sacrifice.
“Dan Marburger will always be a part of Perry High School and the Perry Community School District. His legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of everyone who knew him,” the district said.
