Haitian-American security officer Aland Etienne has been identified as one of the victims killed during a mass shooting at an office building in Midtown Manhattan on Monday evening.
Etienne, 46, a devoted father of two and a beloved member of the Canarsie community in Brooklyn, was on duty at 345 Park Avenue when gunman Shane Tamura opened fire in the building’s lobby around 6 p.m. Tamura, armed with a semi-automatic rifle, fatally shot Etienne as he hid behind the security desk, according to the NYPD.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who represents Etienne’s district, issued a heartfelt statement mourning his death. “I am heartbroken by the tragic murder of security officer Aland Etienne, a constituent who lived in Canarsie, in connection with the mass shooting in Midtown Manhattan,” Jeffries said.
“Security guards are asked to perform their duties under intense circumstances with limited resources day in and day out. Aland put his life on the line and faithfully showed up to work to protect the employees and visitors at 345 Park Avenue. Our City is forever indebted to him.”
Jeffries described Etienne as a “proud member of 32BJ SEIU, devoted father of two and beloved son,” and added, “Aland will be remembered as a kind soul who touched the hearts of all those who had the privilege to know him.”
Etienne had worked as a licensed security officer since 2017 and was employed by a private firm at the time of his death. He was one of five siblings and the father of a daughter and a son, whose seventh birthday was just days away. The New York Times confirmed that his family is from Haiti.
According to his brother Gathmand Etienne, “My family suffered a heartbreaking tragedy… Aland was more than a brother—he was a father, a son, and a light in our lives. Our hearts are shattered, and we’re asking for your prayers and strength as we navigate this painful time.”
Etienne’s union, 32BJ SEIU, confirmed his death and expressed deep sorrow. Union President Manny Pastreich called him “a New York hero.”
“This tragedy speaks to the sacrifice of security officers who risk their lives every day to keep New Yorkers and our buildings safe,” Pastreich said. “Their contributions to our city are essential, though often unappreciated. Aland Etienne is a New York hero. We will remember him as such.”
The gunman, identified as 27-year-old Shane Tamura, killed three others during his rampage: off-duty NYPD officer Didarul Islam, Blackstone executive Wesley LePatner, and Rudin Management employee Julia Hyman. He also critically injured an NFL employee before allegedly taking his own life on the 33rd floor.
Authorities believe Tamura was targeting the NFL, which has offices in the building, but may have exited the elevator on the wrong floor. A suicide note found at the scene referenced chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma. Although Tamura had not played professionally, he blamed the league for his mental decline.
The city continues to reel from the tragedy, as Etienne’s family, colleagues, and the Haitian-American community mourn the loss of a man remembered for his kindness, dedication, and bravery.
