A U.S. probation officer died Tuesday after a self-inflicted gunshot wound inside the newly constructed federal courthouse in downtown Des Moines, authorities confirmed.
The incident occurred around 8:30 a.m. in a restricted area of the courthouse at 111 Locust Street, according to Des Moines police. Officers responded to reports of a shooting and found the officer, identified as Dan Velasco, critically injured. Velasco was transported to a local hospital but succumbed to his injuries later that afternoon.
Velasco had served with the U.S. Probation Office for nine years and was described as “a respected member of our court family” in a statement from the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa. “Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time,” the statement read.
Police spokesperson Sgt. Paul Parizek emphasized that the incident occurred in a secure section of the building and posed no risk to other employees or the public. “It’s a very tight-knit group in that office, almost like a family,” Parizek said, noting that colleagues were reaching out to support Velasco’s loved ones.
The courthouse, which is still under construction, has partially opened for operations while investigations into the shooting continue. Federal authorities, including the Department of Homeland Security, are assisting local police in examining the circumstances surrounding Velasco’s death.
The tragedy prompted Iowa lawmakers to observe a moment of silence Tuesday morning, with Rep. Rob Johnson calling for reflection on workplace safety and support for affected families.
No further details about the incident have been released as investigations remain ongoing.
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