Des Moines Officer’s Mysterious Death Triggers Statewide Inquiry and Grief

A nine-year veteran U.S. probation officer died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at Des Moines’ new federal courthouse, triggering a criminal investigation and prompting state lawmakers to pause in solemn recognition of the tragedy.

Quick Takes

• United States Probation Officer Dan Velasco died after a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the new Des Moines federal courthouse.
• The incident occurred in a secure area of the $136 million facility that is still under construction but partially occupied.
• Des Moines Police and Department of Homeland Security officials confirmed no other employees were in danger.
• Iowa House members observed a moment of silence led by Rep. Rob Johnson.
• The courthouse construction began in August 2019 and has faced delays, with opening now expected this spring.

Tragic Incident at New Federal Courthouse

A United States probation officer with nine years of service died after sustaining a self-inflicted gunshot wound inside the under-construction federal courthouse in Des Moines. The incident occurred at the courthouse located at 111 Locust Street. The victim, identified as United States Probation Officer Dan Velasco, was transported to a local hospital where he later died from his injuries despite life-saving efforts by emergency responders.

The shooting took place in a secure area of the new $136 million facility, which is still under construction but has already seen some offices relocated there. Des Moines police and the Department of Homeland Security immediately launched a criminal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Authorities confirmed that no other employees were in danger during the event, which occurred in a restricted area of the building.

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Court Community Mourns Loss of Dedicated Officer

The United States District Court Southern District of Iowa released a statement expressing their profound grief over the loss of Officer Velasco. Court officials acknowledged his valued service while requesting privacy as they navigate through this difficult time. The statement emphasized the impact of this loss on their tight-knit court community and expressed condolences to Velasco’s family, friends, and colleagues who are now left to process this sudden tragedy.

While the investigation continues, few additional details have been released about the circumstances leading up to the incident. The courthouse where the tragedy occurred has been under construction since August 2019, with its opening repeatedly delayed from the original July 2023 target date. It is now expected to open sometime this spring, though regular court operations continue at the older federal courthouse located at 123 E. Walnut Ave.

State Lawmakers Acknowledge Tragedy

The incident reverberated beyond the federal court system, reaching the Iowa State Capitol. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, state lawmakers in the Iowa House paused their legislative proceedings to observe a moment of silence. Representative Rob Johnson led the solemn gesture, acknowledging the tragic loss that had occurred in downtown Des Moines earlier that day. This public acknowledgment highlighted how deeply the incident affected the broader community.

Construction of the new courthouse began nearly six years ago as part of a federal initiative to modernize judicial facilities. The 229,000-square-foot building stands nine stories tall and was designed to replace the aging federal courthouse that has served Des Moines since 1929. Despite the tragedy that has now marked its pre-opening period, the facility is expected to eventually house all federal court operations for the Southern District of Iowa.

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Veteran Probation Officer Dies from Self-Inflicted Gunshot at Des Moines Federal Courthouse

Probation officer dies after self-inflicted shooting at federal courthouse in Des Moines

Victim in downtown Des Moines federal courthouse shooting has died