The Perry school shooting creates new questions for Republicans in Iowa’s presidential caucuses

CUMMING, Iowa (AP) — Friday looked like a typical January morning in Iowa — gray skies, a brisk breeze and a restaurant crammed with voters munching on breakfast pizzas while listening to a presidential candidate speak.

Introduced by Republican Rep. Thomas Massie as “the most pro-Second Amendment candidate in this race,” Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis gave his standard speech touting his record in his home state.

Then DeSantis opened the floor to questions. The first one was, “What actions would you take to reduce mass shootings?”

The shooting in Perry, Iowa, which left one sixth grader dead and seven more people injured, immediately cast a shadow over the state’s first-in-the-nation Republican presidential caucuses, scheduled for Jan. 15. Three candidates were asked about it Thursday and Friday at campaign stops, some just a short drive from the school where a 17-year-old junior opened fire as students were returning from winter break.

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