DES MOINES – A shooting near a high school in Des Moines Monday afternoon has left one person dead, and two hurt.
According to Des Moines Public School District:
This afternoon, at approximately 2:48 PM, a shooting near East High School was reported that resulted in three victims, including one fatality, near the northwest corner of the school campus. At this time we are not able to confirm the victims’ names.
The Des Moines Police Department, Des Moines Fire Department, and DMPS Public Safety were on the scene within minutes. The school building was immediately put into lockdown and students were kept safely inside while police investigated. Students were dismissed at approximately 3:30 PM, after law enforcement gave an all clear.
As principal Jill Versteeg told East parents this afternoon, “I think we can all agree an event like this is everyone’s worst nightmare. Tonight, hug your students and love them.”
The school district is working with Des Moines police and will provide any assistance they need over the coming days. No classes will be held at East High School tomorrow. There is no school tomorrow, March 8, and the district is postponing the ACT for East High juniors until March 29. Parent-teacher conferences are also postponed.
The DMPS grief team will be available at East High for students and staff beginning tomorrow through the remainder of the week. School counselors will be available at our other schools for students who need additional support.
“We live in an era when shootings in and near schools have become too common,” said Superintendent Thomas Ahart. “Our staff and students are forced to train for these incidents and the trauma associated with the repeated drills and incidents will remain with them for years to come. It’s unfortunate that our state and our country have become a place where firearms are far too easily accessible. We remain committed to protecting our students and staff, but real change to gun laws and access would go a long way to help us.”
The district is receiving regular updates from the Des Moines Police Department and will share additional information as it becomes available.
Statement by Iowa State Education Association President Mike Beranek:
“We are heartbroken to hear that one student has died and two others were injured in the shooting at East High School today. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the students, staff, and families in the East High school community. Violence of any kind against our precious children is unacceptable,” said ISEA President Mike Beranek.
Statement by Des Moines Education Association President Joshua Brown:
“We deeply appreciate the outpouring of support from members of the community during this very difficult time. We are actively assessing the needs of our students, staff and families and are working with the school district and state and national unions to help provide the supports and assistance they need,” said DMEA President Joshua Brown.
And to think, it all started over a piece of Popeyes chicken.
No, that was the decision your parents made before you were conceived. You or popeye chicken. They have regretted their choice ever since.
Where is popeye chicken in Mason?
Does it matter?
If only your mothers birth control had worked as well as you have at being the embarrassment of the whole family. Pity for your family, shame on you.
Black gang bangers at it again.
While white boy supremacists rum rampant over America.
Looks like you are both wrong, according to the names released
White kids were in class
Where’s the actual white supremacy, theres more wanna be bangers running around then white supremacy but let me guess youre one of those they did do nuffin type of person arent you
No that is you. Them Proud Boys didn’t do nothing. Neither did the Oath Keepers – just doing what the Constitution tells them to do.
Des Moines is getting as BAD as Minneapolis
coming soon to your hometown.
Not even close
100 miles either direction
It’s already here. Pay attention tto what goes on around you.
You need to go away
Amen to that, brother!!