GLENWOOD, IA — August 6, 2025 — A small Iowa town is reeling after a devastating combination of violence and destruction struck a quiet neighborhood Wednesday night. Authorities confirm that an active shooter incident and house fire on North Grove Street in Glenwood has resulted in multiple casualties, with law enforcement calling the situation a “major crime scene.”
Emergency crews were dispatched to the 700 block of North Grove Street shortly after 8:30 PM, following multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire and smoke coming from a single-family home. Upon arrival, responders encountered a rapidly spreading house fire and at least two individuals suffering from gunshot wounds in the front yard.
Active Shooter Confirmed, Community on Alert
Glenwood Police, assisted by the Mills County Sheriff’s Office and Iowa State Patrol, confirmed that shots were fired at the scene, and that an active shooter may have been involved in what’s being described as a targeted act of violence. At least three people have been confirmed dead, and several others are reportedly injured.
Authorities have not yet confirmed if the shooter is among the deceased or remains at large, but a shelter-in-place order was briefly issued for surrounding neighborhoods. That order has since been lifted as officers say there is no ongoing threat to the public.
“This is a heartbreaking and complex situation. We are working to piece together exactly what happened here tonight,” said Glenwood Police Chief Matt Gray. “Our officers encountered a chaotic and dangerous scene with both active gunfire and a fully engulfed structure.”
House Fire May Be Linked to Shooting
As firefighters battled the blaze, investigators began to uncover evidence suggesting the fire was intentionally set, potentially as part of the violent incident. Fire crews worked through the night to extinguish the flames, which severely damaged the residence and made entry into certain areas impossible for several hours.
Search teams later recovered at least two bodies inside the home, bringing the preliminary death toll to five, pending confirmation by the medical examiner. Authorities have not yet released the names of the victims, pending notification of next of kin.
Investigation Underway
The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and ATF have joined the investigation. Law enforcement is interviewing neighbors, collecting surveillance footage from nearby homes, and coordinating with federal fire investigators to determine the sequence of events.
Chief Gray said that authorities are currently exploring the possibility of a domestic-related motive, though no official cause has been confirmed.
Community Shaken
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through Glenwood, a close-knit town of just over 5,000 residents. North Grove Street, normally a peaceful residential stretch, is now the focus of one of the most violent incidents in the town’s recent history.
Local schools have been notified, and grief counselors are being made available to students and faculty. Mayor Ron Kohn released a statement late Wednesday night expressing condolences to the victims’ families and promising full transparency as the investigation continues.
“Our town is grieving tonight. We are shocked, we are hurting, and we are united in demanding justice and healing,” the mayor said.
What’s Next
Authorities are expected to hold a press conference Thursday morning to provide updated details on the victims, potential suspects, and the outcome of the investigation into both the shooting and fire.
Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any information that could assist investigators.
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