An Iowa postal worker accused of shooting and wounding two of her female colleagues inside a regional sorting facility made her first court appearance on Friday, as authorities continued to investigate whether the incident constituted a deliberate, targeted attack.
Jennifer Christine Pledger, 39, allegedly opened fire on her coworkers on Thursday, and after shooting one of the women, stood over her and fired again, according to police. She continued shooting as she exited the post office located just north of downtown Des Moines. Pledger now faces two counts of attempted murder, along with several additional charges.
Court records indicate that the two female victims, aged 45 and 53, sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Both are expected to make a full recovery. A 55-year-old male employee also sustained injuries after falling while attempting to flee the scene.
“We believe the evidence indicates that one of the victims was targeted,” said Des Moines Police Sergeant Paul Parizek on Friday, noting that this assessment is based on the suspect’s observed behavior and that further investigation is needed to confirm the conclusion.
City Police Chief Michael McTaggart stated on Friday that officers arrived on the scene within one minute of receiving 911 calls, though this was not immediately communicated over the radio , a revision to the originally reported response time of three minutes. Pledger was apprehended shortly thereafter on a nearby bike trail, after officers rapidly mobilized in her direction upon learning her identity and the route she had taken.
“Had we not known that the person had left the building, we would have dedicated a lot of our resources to perimeter security and clearing that building,” Parizek said.
At her initial court appearance on Friday, a judge approved Pledger’s application for the appointment of legal counsel, as reflected in court records. She is currently being held without bond. Efforts to contact possible relatives proved unsuccessful, and the Polk County Public Defender’s Office declined to offer any comment.
Pledger, a resident of West Des Moines, has been formally charged with two counts of attempted murder, two counts of willful injury causing serious bodily harm, and intimidation. Sergeant Parizek confirmed that a search warrant was executed on Thursday at a residence believed to belong to the suspect.
The regional sorting facility employs more than 200 individuals and features a walk-in service counter that is open to the public. However, the shooting occurred on the facility’s second floor, in a restricted area not accessible to members of the public.
“Everyone has the right to feel safe in their workplace without fear from coworkers, customers or others,” said Margaret Greene, acting assistant inspector in charge with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, during a statement on Friday.
Pledger was taken into custody without resistance. Police recovered a 9mm handgun at the scene. Although the firearm contained no remaining live ammunition, court records indicate that Pledger was in possession of an additional loaded magazine at the time of her arrest.
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