Three people are recovering in local hospitals today after a shooting at the regional United States Postal Service office in Des Moines. Law enforcement detained a suspect and lifted a security lockdown at nearby public schools following the violence on November 5, 2026.
Police Secure the Second Avenue Facility
Des Moines police arrived at 1165 Second Ave. within three minutes of the 9:10 a.m. 911 call reporting an “active killer” inside the four-story sorting facility. The incident began as officers rushed to the site.
Des Moines Police Sgt. Paul Parizek confirmed three people were wounded in the attack. One victim traveled to the MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center across the street for treatment, while responders transported the remaining victims to local hospitals; officials report the injuries are not life-threatening.
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
They’re all at the hospital, they are being cared for right now,
Sgt. Paul Parizek, Des Moines Police Department
Schools and Traffic Affected by Shooting
Des Moines Public Schools placed Carver Elementary, the DMPS Welcome Center, and the Central Nutrition Center into a “Secure” status at 9:20 a.m. to bar entry or exit. The district lifted the lockdown at 10:00 a.m. after officers confirmed the suspect was in custody.
Witnesses identified the suspect fleeing the building, allowing police to make an arrest just outside the facility. ATF agents from the Kansas City office arrived to assist local police in conducting security sweeps of the building and rerouting northbound traffic away from Second and University avenues.
Investigation Into the Attack Continues
Governor Kim Reynolds and Rep. Zach Nunn, R-Iowa, credited the rapid intervention of first responders with preventing further harm. 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,
Governor Reynolds stated.
Police have not released the identity of the person in custody or the motive behind the attack. Authorities have not yet explained what triggered the violence, and they continue to ask the public to avoid the area.
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…
More on Paul Parizek
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
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
Praying for everyone affected by this morning’s shooting at the Des Moines post office and for their families. We’re monitoring this situation closely and grateful to Des Moines police and first responders for their bravery and quick response.https://t.co/vIMBJmyYW5
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