Investigators detail the Perry principal’s heroic actions on the day of the fatal school shooting

PERRY, Iowa (KCRG) – Investigators revealed more details Friday about the heroic actions of the Perry principal who died after being shot during an attack at the school in January.

During a news conference Friday, Public Safety Commissioner Stephan Bayens said Principal Dan Marburger was hit seconds after the shooting. He even had a chance to run to safety, but instead stayed behind, begging the gunman to stop the attack.

“I can tell you he saved lives that day,” Bayens said. “He repeatedly called the shooter by name. “Dylan, don’t do it… Dylan, stop… Dylan, let’s talk.” And that’s important in part because it’s not so much the empathy that Marburger had for the shooter. But every time he called that name, the shooter heard his name, he looked and turned toward the sound, and when he did, it took his attention away from the person he was about to shoot. And every time, Principal Marberger called out that name and diverted attention. It gave these students another two seconds, another three seconds, another five seconds. And when we talk about school shootings, seconds like that matter, and in this case they mattered. And it made sure those kids got out of the common area around the corner and got to safety.”

Before Butler went through an exit, he shot Marburger again, critically wounding him.

Marburger died 10 days later in a Des Moines hospital.

He had been principal of Perry High School since 1995.

Marburger’s daughter and wife spoke about him during a funeral in January, describing him as a loving father and husband.

“He was an example of love and grace every day. My wish for all of you is to have someone, a parent, a partner, a friend, a sibling, who loves you unconditionally, like Dan did for me,” said Elizabeth Marburger, Dan’s wife.

“If I had a ghost with one wish, it wouldn’t be a new car. Or a house or a dollar amount. It wouldn’t even have to be to have dad back because I know that’s a big wish. My wish would be. For a hug from dad. Just a few seconds to hold him. And he held me and kissed the top of my head,” said Claire Marburger, Dan’s daughter.

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