Two students killed in shooting at Iowa school for at-risk kids, ‘multiple suspects’ in custody

The Bobster

Senior News Editor since 2004

Two students killed in shooting at Iowa school for at-risk kids, ‘multiple suspects’ in custody​



By
David Propper


January 23, 2023 4:39pm
Updated









Two students were killed and a teacher wounded when at least one gunman opened fire at an Iowa school for at-risk kids, authorities said.
The deadly shooting took place at the educational program Starts Right Here, which was founded by a local rapper and is connected to the Des Moines school system.
Police said first responders rushed to the school, which is in a business park in the city’s downtown, just before 1 p.m. and found two students critically injured. Life-saving measures were taken at the scene, but the two students were later pronounced dead at the hospital, police said.
Des Moines police said that “multiple suspects” were in custody after cops pulled over a car about two miles from the scene and 20 minutes after the shooting.
Starts Right Here involves working with “urban youth who have been touched with real-life challenges,” according to the program’s website. The program was founded by rapper Will Holmes, whose stage name is Will Keeps.


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Law enforcement officers enter the Starts Right Here building, Monday, Jan. 23, 2023, in Des Moines, Iowa.
Police said they are multiple suspects involved with the shooting. AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall

Multiple people are hurt after a shooting at 455 SW 5th street in Des Moines.
Two students who were shot were pronounced dead afterward. WHO-13 Des Moines


Multiple people are hurt after a shooting at 455 SW 5th street in Des Moines.
Shots went off at an Iowa school on Monday. KCCI

A law enforcement officer walks outside the Starts Right Here building, Monday, Jan. 23, 2023, in Des Moines, Iowa.
The school is connected to to the Des Moines school system. AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall

A law enforcement officer walks outside the Starts Right Here building, Monday, Jan. 23, 2023, in Des Moines,
The shooting occurred at Starts Right Here. AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall

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First responders rushed to a shooting at an Iowa school Monday.
First responders rushed to a shooting at an Iowa school Monday. KCCI

Police respond to a school shooting in Des Moines, Iowa.
Police respond to a school shooting in Des Moines, Iowa. KCCI

Des Moines Police spokesman Sgt. Paul Parizek speaks outside the Starts Right Here building, Monday, Jan. 23, 2023, in Des Moines, Iowa.
The school is placed in the business park of Des Moines. AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall




Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, who is on the Starts Right Here advisory board, said she was heartbroken by the shooting.


“I’ve seen first-hand how hard Will Keeps and his staff works to help at-risk kids through this alternative education program,” Reynolds said in a statement. “My heart breaks for them, these kids and their families. Kevin and I are praying for their safe recovery.”


Nicole Krantz, who works near the school, witnessed someone fleeing from the building with police officers giving chase on foot and in patrol cars. Her office was placed on lockdown during the scary moment.


“We just saw a lot of cop cars pouring in from everywhere,” Krantz said to the Des Moines Register. “It’s terrifying. We’re all worried. We went on lockdown, obviously. We were all told to stay away from the windows because we weren’t sure if they caught the guy.”
 
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