A fundraising campaign on GoFundMe has raised more than $36,000 toward a $250,000 goal to support the children of Aland Etienne, a beloved Haitian immigrant and security guard who was fatally shot during a mass shooting at 345 Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan earlier this week.
Etienne, 46, was working in the lobby of the office tower on Monday evening when Shane Devon Tamura, 27, of Las Vegas, opened fire with an M4-style rifle. After killing Etienne, Tamura proceeded to the upper floors, targeting other victims before taking his own life. The building houses high-profile tenants, including the National Football League and investment giant Blackstone.
The GoFundMe page, titled “Support Aland Etienne Kids after the Tragedy,” aims to secure a stable future for Etienne’s two surviving children. It states that all funds raised will be dedicated to ensuring that Etienne’s love continues to guide and protect his family despite his tragic passing.
Smith Etienne, Aland’s older brother, spoke at a Wednesday press conference held at the 32BJ SEIU headquarters, describing him as a loving father and a “fantastic” older sibling who was an inspiration to those around him. “He was my hero,” Smith said. “He was a light in every room. He made this city safer every day.”
Authorities confirmed that Tamura suffered from mental illness and blamed his actions on chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain condition linked to repeated head injuries common among football players. In a lengthy suicide note, Tamura claimed he intended to target the NFL but mistakenly took the wrong elevator. His note urged, “Study my brain please,” referencing former NFL player Terry Long, who died by suicide and was diagnosed posthumously with CTE.
The shooting has renewed concerns about workplace safety, particularly for front-line security personnel. Etienne was a long-time member of the 32BJ SEIU union, which has seen other members fall victim to workplace violence. Manny Pastreich, president of the union, called Etienne a “New York hero” and stressed that security guards risk their lives daily while their vital contributions are often overlooked.
Pastreich recalled the 2015 murder of fellow 32BJ member Idrissa Camara during a similar attack on a federal building. “Every time a security guard puts on his uniform, he puts his life on the line,” he said.
Etienne’s wife, Rachelle Paoli, joined union leaders and elected officials at Wednesday’s event. New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani praised Etienne’s dedication and called for stronger protections for building staff.
The GoFundMe organizers remember Etienne as a protector, filmmaker, and proud father who dreamed of a brighter future for his children. “We are grieving and heartbroken, but we are also hopeful,” the page reads. “We are hopeful that the same love Aland showed the world will be returned to his kids.”
As of August 1, more than 362 donations have been made to the fund.
To support the Etienne Children’s Fund, visit: gofundme.com/f/aland-etienne
