In a shocking turn of events, the parents of the Iowa school shooter, Dylan Butler, have expressed their disbelief and sorrow over the tragic incident that unfolded at Perry High School last Thursday. The Butlers, Jack and Erin, released a statement through their attorney on Monday, stating that they had "no inkling he intended the horrible violence" before dropping him off at school that morning.

According to the statement obtained by KCCI, the Butlers revealed that they had a conversation about the future with their son during the drive to school, and he seemed prepared to start the new semester after the Christmas vacation. Dylan's sister was present in the school at the time of the shooting, making the situation even more devastating for the family.

The shooting occurred just before 8 a.m. when the 17-year-old entered the school building armed with a pump-action shotgun, a small-caliber handgun, and a homemade explosive device. Tragically, he shot and killed sixth-grader Ahmir Jolliff and injured four other students and three staff members before turning the gun on himself. Authorities discovered an undetonated explosive device alongside his body, described as "pretty rudimentary."

The Butlers, in their statement, expressed their deep confusion and shock, stating, "We simply do not understand how this could happen and why Dylan chose to do what he did." They also acknowledged the pain and harm caused by their son's actions, emphasizing that they would never wish such a tragedy upon anyone.

The grieving family has initiated the process of mourning and burying their son and coping with the terrible legacy left behind by this senseless crime. Although devastated, they expressed gratitude for the support they have received from the public and private spheres. They assured authorities of their cooperation in providing answers to the question of why their son committed such a heinous act.

At this time, the Butlers have indicated that they will not be making any further comments regarding the incident. However, their statement provided some insight into Dylan's troubled past, as acquaintances described him as a quiet person who had endured bullying since elementary school. It was revealed that he reached a breaking point when his younger sister became a target of the bullying as well.

Additionally, a cryptic video was posted on Dylan's since-deleted social media accounts just moments before his rampage. In the TikTok video, he can be seen in a bathroom stall at the school with a blue duffle bag at his feet, along with the caption: "Now we wait."

As the community mourns the loss of Ahmir Jolliff and grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event, authorities continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. It is hoped that a thorough understanding of the factors that led to this incident may prevent similar tragedies in the future.