Employee who shot himself at new federal courthouse in downtown Des Moines dies

A United States probation officer who shot himself inside the new federal courthouse in downtown Des Moines on Tuesday has died.

The officer was transported to a hospital with critical injuries Tuesday morning, police spokesperson Sgt. Paul Parizek said. Federal authorities confirmed Tuesday afternoon that the officer died at the hospital.

Des Moines police and the Department of Homeland Security investigated the early morning shooting at 111 Locust St., which still is under construction though some offices already have relocated there and U.S. marshals are staffing the secure entrance.

The officer joined the United States Probation Office nine years ago, according to a news release from the United States District Court for the Southern District of Iowa.

“He was a valued member of our court family,” the release said. “Our hearts go out to his family and friends in the wake of this tragedy. Our court family is deeply impacted by (the officer’s) loss. We are processing the event and grieving together. We ask for time and space as we process this event.”

The incident happened in a secure area, Parizek said. No other employees were in danger as a result of the shooting, he said.

“From being in that office, it is obviously a very tight crew,” Parizek told reporters at the scene around 10 a.m. Tuesday. “Real family environment with the employees, and they are reaching out to support his family right now.”

Rep. Rob Johnson, D-Des Moines, led Iowa House lawmakers in a brief moment of silence Tuesday morning after sharing news of the shooting.

“I would ask that we would just do a moment of silence, not just for the person that was shot but just for the safety of all of our buildings, all of our opportunities, for every member in this chamber and the chamber across the hall,” he said, asking lawmakers to rise and bow their heads.

Construction of the $136 million, 229,000-square-foot courthouse on the Des Moines River started in August 2019 and originally was scheduled to open in July 2023. Estimates now place its opening in spring.

Court businesses still is happening at the 96-year-old federal courthouse at 123 E. Walnut Ave.

Reporter Stephen Gruber-Miller contributed to this story.

This story was updated to add new information.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Employee who shot himself at new Des Moines federal courthouse dies