Des Moines postal worker arrested after shooting two co-workers

On Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026, Jennifer Christine Pledger, 39, of West Des Moines, a postal employee, was arrested after allegedly shooting two female co-workers at the main post office in Des Moines, Iowa. Police said the shooting was on the second floor in a staff-only area; first 911 calls came around 9:10 a.m., officers arrived within three minutes, and she was located and detained without incident at 9:21 a.m. near a bike path by the Des Moines River east of the building, where a 9mm handgun was recovered. Victims were women 45 and 53 who were shot and a 55-year-old man injured falling while escaping; all three were hospitalized in stable, non-life-threatening condition. Pledger faces two attempted-murder counts, two willful-injury counts, and one intimidation count. Sgt. Paul Parizek said the police response was "exactly what we'd expect," fast and courageous. Gov. Kim Reynolds posted that prayers were with everyone involved and she was grateful for law enforcement's immediate response. Local police lead the probe with Postal Inspection Service, FBI, and ATF assisting. WHAT'S CONTESTED: No factual disputes among rated outlets appear in the record; coverage aligns on the shooter, timeline, victims, and arrest. Authorities have not disclosed a motive. Investigation remains ongoing.