A shooting at the main post office in Des Moines, Iowa, on November 5, 2026, resulted in three injuries and the detention of a suspect.
Police take postal employee into custody after shooting
Des Moines police said the suspect, a female employee of the postal service, was taken into custody. Police have not publicly identified the suspect or announced specific criminal charges as of Thursday.
Of the three individuals injured, two sustained gunshot wounds, while a third person was hurt during a fall while attempting to escape. All three victims are employees at the postal facility. According to Sgt. Parizek, two of the victims drove themselves to MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, which is situated directly across the street from the post office, while a third was transported by a police officer. Des Moines Police Sgt. Paul Parizek said of the victims, They're all at the hospital; they are being cared for right now.
He also said, I didn't see anything that indicated anyone had any life-threatening injuries.
I’m closely monitoring reports of the shooting at the USPS facility in Des Moines. My prayers are with the victims, their families, and everyone impacted by this tragedy. Grateful to the law enforcement officers and first responders on the scene.https://t.co/MSdJ6W5CUX
While MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center declined to confirm specific patient details, Sgt. Parizek noted that all three victims are in stable condition.
Safety measures at Des Moines Public Schools
Following the shooting, Des Moines Public Schools implemented a secure status for several nearby facilities, including Carver Elementary School, the district’s welcome center, and the central nutrition center. The district confirmed that these buildings were locked down at 9:20 a.m. after police notification, prohibiting anyone from entering or leaving the premises.
I'm hearing reports of the situation at the post office in Des Moines. DMPD has indicated that there were no life-threatening injuries. My thoughts are with the Iowans affected by this senseless act of violence. I will continue to monitor the situation & am thankful for the…
Federal agencies assist local police in ongoing investigation
The incident drew a multi-agency response, with federal entities, including the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), assisting local police. ATF Kansas City confirmed that their special agents were deployed to the scene to support local partners, emphasizing that public safety remains their top priority.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds addressed the event on social media, noting her contact with the Department of Public Safety.
The suspected shooter is in custody and the investigation is ongoing. We are monitoring the situation and our prayers are with everyone involved. Grateful for the immediate response by law enforcement.
Kim Reynolds, Governor of Iowa
Senator Chuck Grassley also expressed his response to the incident on X, stating, Im following news of the shooting this morning at the Main Post Office in Des Moines Gr8ful to law enforcement + first responders who acted quickly 2 detain the shooter + treat the injured Barbara & I are praying for all those impacted.
Authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the shooting and have not yet released details regarding the weapon used.
Earlier coverage: Three people were hospitalized Thursday morning following a shooting at the United States Postal
Im following news of the shooting this morning at the Main Post Office in Des Moines Gr8ful to law enforcement + first responders who acted quickly 2 detain the shooter + treat the injured Barbara & I are praying for all those impacted
More on Iowa
BREAKING | ATF Special Agents are responding to reports of a shooting at the main U. S. Post Office in Des Moines, Iowa, to assist our law enforcement partners. Public safety remains our top priority. Information is limited at the time. Please follow @DMPolice for official… pic.twitter.com/p2rEkLThU4
I’m in contact with the Department of Public Safety regarding a shooting at the Main Post Office in Des Moines. The suspected shooter is in custody and the investigation is ongoing. We are monitoring the situation and our prayers are with everyone involved. Grateful for the…
Multiple people have been injured in an active shooter situation at the main post office in Des Moines, police say. Details: https://t.co/kaR7nn5yLo pic.twitter.com/iuYVpkG1P6
