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2 people arrested following an incident involving gunfire, in Des Moines

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May 26th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa — Two people are in custody following a shooting Saturday evening outside of the Knapp Center in Des Moines. KCCI report Police said officers heard gunfire and recovered one firearm. No one was injured. Several officers with the Des Moines Police Department were already at the Knapp Center due to Roosevelt High School’s graduation ceremony, which was going on inside. Des Moines police said officers heard gunfire around 5:35 p.m. outside of the Knapp Center.

Investigators say a handgun was found on one suspect, while a second one was found in one of their vehicles. Police said they were able to lock down the area quickly, thanks to the police already present. Following the gunshots, Des Moines police said a fight involving more than five individuals broke out inside the arena. Pepper spray was used to break up the fight.

Des Moines Public Schools released the following statement on the incident:

“Late this [Saturday] afternoon, while honoring Roosevelt High School’s graduating class, a number of people ran into Drake University’s Knapp Center and began telling attendees there had been a shooting outside. This caused commotion and a brief disruption to the ceremony while Des Moines Police and Drake Public Safety responded quickly to the scene to ensure everyone inside was safe.

Superintendent Ian Roberts was informed there was no immediate threat to the commencement, shared with the crowd that it was safe inside the arena, and the ceremony resumed so that every graduate present was able to walk across the stage and receive their diploma.

While the incident is not believed to have any direct connection to the Roosevelt commencement ceremony, Principal Steven Schappaugh informed Roosevelt families of changes to [Saturday night’s] Senior Night celebration were made as a precaution and the school district would have additional security in place for two commencement ceremonies on Sunday.”