USPS Employee Accused of Shooting Two Co-Workers at Des Moines Post Office

A United States Postal Service employee is accused of firing on two of her colleagues on the second floor of the main post office in Des Moines, Iowa, on Thursday morning. The incident occurred around 9:10 a.m. at the facility located at 1165 2nd Ave. A third worker was hurt while attempting to flee the scene.

Des Moines Police found the suspect searching the area near a bike trail east of the building. Sergeant Paul Parizek of the police department stated that two of the victims drove themselves to a nearby hospital. A police officer transported the third individual to medical care. The victims, consisting of two women and one man, sustained injuries that are not life-threatening. Parizek indicated that the injured parties are expected to recover.

Authorities have not yet released the name of the suspect. It remains unclear whether the accused was on duty when the gunfire started. Investigators have not identified a motive. Parizek noted that officers arrived at the scene within approximately three minutes of the call. He described the response as fast and courageous, adding that the team began working through the building in line with their training.

Approximately a dozen law enforcement agencies assisted in the immediate aftermath. This support included special agents from the Kansas City unit of the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives bureau. The Crimes against Persons unit of the Des Moines Police Department is leading the investigation. The United States Postal Inspection Service will provide additional assistance to the local team.

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds said she has been in contact with the Department of Public Safety regarding the event. In a post on X, she stated that she is monitoring the situation and that her prayers are with everyone involved. She expressed gratitude for the immediate response provided by law enforcement agencies.