Three people were wounded in a shooting this afternoon (Monday) at charter school in downtown Des Moines. According to Radio Iowa two are now dead and the third person is listed in serious condition after the shooting at “Starts Right Here.” Sergeant Parizek says a group of suspects in the shooting were taken into custody in a traffic stop about two miles away from the shooting scene. The charter program that helps at-risk metro Des Moines youth was founded by local rapper Will Holmes and is affiliated with Des Moines Public Schools. Governor Kim Reynolds and Des Moines Police Chief Dana Wingert are both on the organization’s board.
Gov. Reynolds released the following statement in response to the shooting at Starts Right Here:
“I am shocked and saddened to hear about the shooting at Starts Right Here. I’ve seen first-hand how hard Will Keeps and his staff works to help at-risk kids through this alternative education program. My heart breaks for them, these kids and their families. Kevin and I are praying for their safe recovery.”