3 injured in Des Moines post office shooting

Des Moines police captured a female postal worker on Thursday morning after she shot two coworkers at the main post office in Iowa’s capital. A third employee was injured in a fall while attempting to escape. Police said none of the three victims were believed to have life-threatening injuries.

Des Moines police Sgt. Paul Parizek stated that all three victims, two women and one man, are currently at a hospital in stable condition. “They’re all at the hospital. They are being cared for right now,” Parizek said.

The incident occurred on the second floor of the facility in an area not accessible to the public. Witnesses reported hearing between 10 and 12 shots. Police began receiving calls regarding the shooting at approximately 9:10 a.m. Officers responded within three minutes and detained the suspect at 9:21 a.m.

The suspect was captured along a nearby bike path without resistance. Authorities did not immediately identify the alleged shooter. The post office is located just north of downtown Des Moines, directly across the street from one of the city’s main hospitals.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service confirmed via email that the agency is investigating the shooting in coordination with local, state, and federal law enforcement. Governor Kim Reynolds said she was in contact with the Department of Public Safety. “We are monitoring the situation and our prayers are with everyone involved,” she posted online. “Grateful for the immediate response by law enforcement.”

Des Moines Public Schools temporarily barred entry and exit at a nearby elementary school, welcome center, and nutrition center as a precaution. Police lifted those restrictions after confirming the suspect was in custody.