Suspect taken into custody after shooting at Des Moines post office
Three people were injured in the incident, which occurred on the second floor of the regional sorting facility.
By Daphne Turner ·
A suspect is in police custody in Des Moines, Iowa, after a shooting at the city’s main post office left three people injured on Thursday morning. Authorities reported that two individuals were shot inside the facility, while a third person was wounded while trying to escape the building. Law enforcement officials said they do not believe any of the injuries are life-threatening.
Sergeant Paul Parizek stated that all three victims were transported to the hospital and were receiving medical attention. He noted that police officers arrived at the scene within three minutes of the first reports. The shooting took place on the second floor of the post office, with dispatchers receiving calls about gunshots around 9:10 a.m. local time.
The main post office is located just north of downtown Des Moines, directly across from one of the city’s major hospitals. The four-story building serves as a regional sorting center and includes a ground-floor counter for public access. The facility’s proximity to medical services likely aided the rapid response to the incident.
Gov. Kim Reynolds confirmed she is in contact with the Department of Public Safety regarding the event. In a social media post, she stated that the investigation is ongoing. “The suspect is in custody and the investigation is ongoing,” Reynolds wrote. “We are monitoring the situation and our prayers are with everyone involved. We thank the law enforcement for their quick response.”
Des Moines Public Schools activated security protocols at nearby locations after learning of the shooting. Police notified the district at 9:20 a.m. that a shooting had occurred at the post office. Consequently, the nearby elementary school, welcome center, and nutrition center entered a security state, restricting entry and exit from the buildings. The district lifted these measures at 10:00 a.m. after police confirmed the suspect was in custody.
The Associated Press has contacted local authorities for additional details. Police continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses as the investigation proceeds. The suspect remains in custody while officers work to determine the circumstances leading to the shooting.
