WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – The White House says President Joe Biden has been briefed on the latest developments following a school shooting at Perry Middle and High School in Perry, Iowa, on Thursday.
“It’s only the fourth day of the new year and we’re already dealing with yet another horrific school shooting. The question we ask ourselves is, when will it be enough?” asked Karine Jean-Pierre, White House press secretary, during a press briefing Thursday afternoon.
The shooting happened Thursday morning before classes started, the school’s first day back after winter break. Police said several people were shot and the extent of their injuries was unclear at this time.
The Associated Press reports that the suspect died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The White House said top officials were in contact with the governor’s office and federal officials were working with local law enforcement to support the investigation.
“Our students and teachers deserve to know that their schools are safe spaces and to focus on learning, not duck and cover drills,” Jean-Pierre said.
She called on Congress to pass legislation to prevent gun violence, including enacting universal background checks and banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.