"Hero" principal in Iowa school shooting has died due to critical injuries

Perry, Iowa - The principal of an Iowa high school who was critically wounded in a school shooting on January 4 while trying to stop the assault has died, his family said Sunday.

Principal Dan Marburger sustained critical injuries as he protected students and staff during the recent shooting at Perry High School.
Principal Dan Marburger sustained critical injuries as he protected students and staff during the recent shooting at Perry High School.  © IMAGO / USA TODAY Network

"Dan Marburger gave the ultimate sacrifice," the family posted on the GoFundMe website. "After 10 days, he lost his battle and this tragedy took his life."

Marburger was the principal of Perry High School in the town of Perry when a teenager armed with a handgun and shotgun opened fire, killing a sixth-grade student and injuring six other people, including Marburger.

"Dan endured significant injuries... putting himself in harm's way to ensure as many students and staff could safely exit the building," the GoFundMe post said.

Bodies of US and Australian surfers discovered in Mexico after disappearance
Crime Bodies of US and Australian surfers discovered in Mexico after disappearance

The 17-year-old shooter died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds paid tribute to Marburger's "heroic actions," saying in a statement, "Our entire state is devastated... Dan courageously put himself in harm's way to protect his students."

Republican candidates address gun violence ahead of Iowa caucuses

The shooting took place less than two weeks before Monday's presidential caucuses in Iowa, but gun violence did not emerge as a particularly prominent issue in campaign debates.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said gun violence was mainly a "local and state issue," not one needing federal attention, while another Republican candidate, former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley, said she would make mental health "a priority."

Former president Donald Trump told supporters in Sioux City that the Perry shooting was "just horrible," but then added, "[we] have to get over it, we have to move forward."

Cover photo: IMAGO / USA TODAY Network

More on Murder: