A shooting incident occurred at the main post office in Des Moines, Iowa, on Thursday, November 5, resulting in three individuals being injured. Authorities have apprehended a suspect, who is believed to be an employee of the post office.
According to Paul Parizek, a spokesperson for the Des Moines Police Department, officers received an emergency call around 9:10 AM reporting an active shooter on the second floor of the post office. Responding swiftly, law enforcement personnel arrived at the scene located at 1165 Second Avenue, a four-story building situated just north of downtown Des Moines.
The police managed to capture the suspect around 9:21 AM on a bike path near the eastern side of the post office. The suspect in question is a female postal worker, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, and no criminal charges have been filed against her at this time. Witnesses at the scene were able to identify her to the authorities.
Parizek reported that the three injured individuals were all employees of the post office, with two sustaining gunshot wounds and one suffering injuries from a fall.
“I did not see any evidence that anyone sustained life-threatening injuries,” emphasized Parizek during a media briefing.
The conditions of the three injured employees have stabilized; two of them were able to drive themselves to a hospital located across the street from the post office, while the third was transported to medical care by a police officer.
Parizek provided updates to the media less than an hour after the 911 call was made, stating that the first officer arrived on scene approximately three minutes after the alarm was raised. The entire incident reportedly lasted around 11 minutes from start to finish.
“The scene is currently under control,” Parizek assured the media. In the meantime, police were conducting a thorough search of the premises to ensure that no additional victims or suspects remained in hiding.
Following the incident, multiple federal agencies rushed to the site to assist with the investigation.
The situation remains under investigation, with no further details currently available.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds took to social media to express her thoughts on the matter. “We are closely monitoring the developments and praying for everyone involved. Thank you to law enforcement for their swift response,” she stated.