Dan Ramirez, a long‑time postal worker in Iowa, spoke to KCCI about the shocking gunfire that erupted inside his post‑office building. Ramirez said the first sound startled him and his co‑workers, who initially thought something had fallen.
“I heard a crack, and then I heard a crack, crack,” Ramirez recalled. The second crack sent most people in the room scrambling for safety. “In my head, I’m like, just get away from the noise,” he said. “I still don’t know what is going on. If I get away from the noise, I will be safe.”
Ramirez described the eerie silence that followed the shots, noting that no one screamed—only the sound of hurried footsteps. He said he felt especially vulnerable as he ran through an empty hallway, admitting, “I’m a big guy, I’m not the fastest person.”
After making his way downstairs, Ramirez reached the employee parking lot, where he saw co‑workers taking cover behind cars. He opened the back gates to allow first responders to enter the facility and praised the rapid police response that followed.
Employees on the second floor were later escorted by bus to another location for questioning. Ramirez said he does not know why Jennifer Pledger, a colleague he has worked with since 2015, allegedly opened fire. “I didn’t even see her come in that day,” he said. “She keeps to herself… She works hard, at least whenever I’ve seen her.”
Since the incident, Ramirez has been out sick and has not returned to work. He told KCCI he expects to be back on Thursday morning, hoping the workplace can return to normal as quickly as possible.
Community reaction and safety concerns
The shooting has left many local residents uneasy, prompting calls for increased security measures at federal facilities. While the investigation remains ongoing, law‑enforcement officials have emphasized that they are reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses to determine a motive.
Local leaders have expressed gratitude for the swift police action and urged the community to remain vigilant while respecting the privacy of those involved. “Our first priority is the safety of our workers and the public,” a spokesperson for the postal service said.
What’s next?
Authorities have not released details about any injuries, and no arrests have been announced at this time. The postal service is working with federal investigators to piece together the events leading up to the gunfire.
Ramirez’s account underscores the bravery of ordinary workers who step up in crisis, as well as the importance of a coordinated emergency response. The community awaits further updates as investigators continue their work.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
