Several injured in mass shooting at Iowa post office

A mass shooting occurred on Thursday at the United States Postal Service main facility in Des Moines, Iowa, USA, leaving several people injured. Following the incident, police have taken a suspect shooter into custody.

The Des Moines Police Department stated that an immediate response was provided via a multi-agency operation at the facility located at 1165 Second Avenue. Sergeant Paul Parizek told reporters that the first officers arrived at the scene within three and a half minutes of the dispatch call. Police and partner agencies searched the building to ensure no other individual was hiding inside.

The official number of injured persons has not yet been determined, but Parizek noted that at least one injured person arrived independently for medical treatment. He further stated that none of the injuries observed at the scene appeared to be fatal.

The postal facility is located directly opposite MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center. In response to the incident, authorities closed northbound traffic on Second Avenue and diverted drivers south towards the downtown area. Subsequently, Second Avenue was closed in both directions. Police have advised using Sixth Avenue or East 14th Street as alternative routes.

According to a report by The Des Moines Register, a large number of emergency services, including the Des Moines Police Department, Pleasant Hill Police Department, Polk County Sheriff's Office, and Iowa State Patrol, arrived at the scene. Numerous fire engines and ambulances were also observed there.

Governor Kim Reynolds wrote on X that she is in contact with the Department of Public Safety. She stated that the suspect shooter is in custody and the investigation is ongoing. She expressed gratitude for the immediate response of law enforcement agencies and prayed for those affected.

As the investigation progresses, authorities have requested the public to stay away from the area near Second and University Avenues. According to a report by The Independent, the situation has been declared secure by the police.