Des Moines Shooting Investigations: Multiple law enforcement agencies are responding to the report of an active shooter at the Iowa Events Center Hy-Vee Hall on Thursday. According to reports, the public events complex located in downtown Des Moines, Iowa, has been placed on lockdown.
UPDATE: A man was taken into custody on Thursday afternoon after he walked onto the stage during the National Speech and Debate Tournament at Des Moines’ EMC Expo Center, prompting an evacuation of the immediate area. Des Moines police said officers assigned to the tournament detained him just before 3 p.m. because his actions raised safety concerns. No weapon was seen or recovered, and no injuries have been reported.
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Parents picking up students have been asked to use the north parking lot at 5th and Crocker Streets while officers secure the building and limit entry.
The incident came during the 100th anniversary edition of the five-day tournament, which drew more than 10,000 students and coaches from around the world.
In a statement, the National Speech and Debate Association’s Shelby Young explained that the disruption happened during the Humorous Interpretation finals. The intruder was quickly subdued and removed, no threats were made, and law-enforcement officers swept the venue for additional risks. Organizers aim to restart the competition later today and expect to share an updated schedule by 4 p.m. CT.
