Two students were killed and a staff member wounded Monday in what police described as a targeted attack on a Des Moines school that is dedicated to helping at-risk youth. Subsequently, three suspects were arrested.
The shooting occurred at an educational program called Starts Right Here, which is affiliated with the Des Moines school district.
Police said emergency crews were called to the school, which is located in a business park, shortly before 1 p.m. Upon arrival, the agents found two seriously injured students, for which they immediately applied cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The two students died at the hospital.
The school staff member who was injured was in serious condition and was due to undergo surgery Monday afternoon.
Police said that about 20 minutes after the shooting, officers stopped a vehicle about 2 miles (3 kilometers) away and arrested three suspects. He added that one of the suspects ran out of the vehicle, but officers managed to track him down with the help of a dog.
“The attack was definitely directed at someone. It wasn’t random,” said Sgt. Paul Parizek.
The Starts Right Here program, which helps at-risk youth ages 9 to 12, was founded in 2021 by Will Holmes, a rapper who goes by the stage name Will Keeps.
“The school is designed to help the children who need it most,” Parizek said.