DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG/AP) – A shooting at an Iowa post office left three people injured Thursday, and one suspect faces multiple charges.
Jennifer Christine Pledger, 39, of West Des Moines, was charged with:
- Two counts of attempted murder
- Two counts of willful wounding causing serious injury
- Intimidation with a dangerous weapon
Authorities say Pledger, a post office employee, opened fire on the second floor of the post office.
Des Moines police said the suspect was arrested and the victims suffered injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening.
Police told KCRG’s Des Moines office that two victims were shot and one was injured when he fell while escaping. The three victims are also employees of the office.
“They’re all in the hospital, they’re being treated right now,” Parizek said of the victims.
The main post office is just north of downtown Des Moines and across the street from MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, one of the city’s main hospitals.
The post office at Second and University Avenue had been open for an hour when the 911 call came in around 9:10 a.m. Thursday.
Sgt. Parizek confirmed the 911 call came from inside the post office and that shots were fired on the second floor in an employee area.
Parizek said officers responded within three minutes and the suspect was apprehended within 11 minutes.
The building is a four-story regional sorting center with a walk-in service counter accessible to the public.
Des Moines Public Schools said that after being notified by police at 9:20 a.m. of the shooting at the post office, the district’s nearby elementary school, welcome center and nutrition center were moved to a secure status, meaning no one was allowed in or out of the buildings. The district said the security status was lifted after police notified them at 10 a.m. that a suspect was in custody.
Governor Kim Reynolds posted on X that she is in contact with the Department of Public Safety as investigations continue.
I am in contact with the Department of Public Safety regarding a shooting at the Des Moines Main Post Office. The suspected shooter is in custody and the investigation continues. We are monitoring the situation and our prayers are with everyone involved. Grateful for the immediate response from law enforcement.
— Governor Kim Reynolds (@IAGovernor) November 5, 2026
Governor-elect Rob Sand also shared a statement on X Thursday morning, saying in part: “My thoughts are with the Iowans affected by this senseless act of violence. »
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