Three Postal Workers Injured in Des Moines Shooting
A USPS employee is accused of firing at colleagues on the second floor of the main post office on Thursday morning, leaving two with gunshot wounds and a third hurt during her escape.
By Fatima Saleh ·
Three United States Postal Service workers sustained injuries on Thursday morning after a shooting occurred on the second floor of the main post office in Des Moines, Iowa. The incident began at approximately 9:10 a.m. at the facility located at 1165 2nd Ave. Two of the victims, both women, suffered gunshot wounds. A third victim, a man, was injured when he fell while attempting to flee the scene.
Des Moines Police Department Sgt. Paul Parizek stated that all three individuals sustained non-life-threatening injuries. He described their condition as expected to pull through. Two of the victims drove themselves to a nearby hospital. A police officer transported the third victim to medical care.
Police located the suspect near a bike trail east of the post office during a search of the area. Authorities have not yet released the suspect's name. It is currently unclear if the accused was on duty when the shooting occurred. Investigators have not identified a motive.
Sgt. Parizek noted that officers arrived at the scene within about three minutes of the call. He praised the response, describing the officers as fast and courageous as they began working the building. Approximately a dozen law enforcement agencies provided assistance during the incident. This group included special agents from the Kansas City Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives unit.
The Des Moines Police Department's Crimes against Persons unit is leading the investigation. The United States Postal Inspection Service is also assisting with the case. The quick response time allowed officers to secure the area and begin their inquiry shortly after the event.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds addressed the incident in a statement shared on X. She confirmed she was in contact with the Department of Public Safety. Reynolds said the state is monitoring the situation and offered prayers for those involved. She expressed gratitude for the immediate response by local law enforcement.
The main post office remains the focal point of the investigation as officials continue to gather evidence. The three injured workers are receiving treatment at local hospitals. The suspect remains in police custody while the Crimes against Persons unit reviews surveillance footage and witness statements.
