Iowa Man Charged Threatening West Des Moines Fourth of July Parade

Ascher Urquhart-McDonald, a 23-year-old man from Ankeny, Iowa, was arrested and charged with making a threat of terrorism after he threatened to 'plow through' the West Des Moines Independence Day parade on July 3. During the parade, Urquhart-McDonald called Westcom Dispatch to complain about traffic and threatened to drive into the crowd and police officers if he did not receive answers. He was reportedly on a motorcycle at the time of the threat. West Des Moines police took him into custody without incident, and he is being held in Polk County Jail on a $5,000 bond. Officials confirmed that no acts of violence occurred during the parade, and city authorities emphasized that safety remains a top priority in planning such events. Preparations for the 2026 Fourth of July celebration, including relocating the fireworks display, are already underway.