A shooting that took place at a charter school in Des Moines, Iowa, on Monday resulted in the death of two students. According to CBS News, at around 12:50 PM, police were called to the scene of a shooting at 455 SW 5th Street, where they found the victims, whose identities have not yet been disclosed, during an education program called Starts Right Here.
An employee of the establishment was also taken to the hospital after suffering from “severe” injuries, the publication continues to report, though it remains unclear if other people were also hurt at this given time.
In a press release pertaining to the shooting, police further revealed they have since arrested several people who they believe are connected to the attack, with Sgt. Paul Parizek declared that “there was nothing random” about what transpired at the school.
After speaking to several eyewitnesses, law enforcement officials believe that the victims who were shot had been targeted. Three people were pulled over about two miles from the shooting, with one of the passengers attempting to flee before being chased down by a K-9 officer while the other two stayed in the vehicle. The suspects in question are now being questioned on their suspected involvement.
As the investigation remains underway, it’s still unclear what the motive was to kill two of the school’s students, but thanks to the witness statements, a heap of evidence has already piled up against the three suspects in custody.
Governor Kim Reynolds, who is known for being on the advisory board of the Starts Right Here program, released a statement following the unsettling news, saying she was shocked and saddened about the shooting.
“I’ve seen first-hand how hard Will and his staff work to help at-risk kids through this alternative education program,” she said. “My heart breaks for them, these kids and their families. Kevin and I are praying for their safe recovery.”
In just over three weeks, six school shootings have already occurred in the U.S., where someone was either killed or severely injured. Last year, there were a reported 51 school shootings, and 180 since 2018.