NEW YORK, CMC – United States House of Representatives’ Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries says he’s “heartbroken” by the tragic murder of Haitian-American security officer, Aland Etienne, who was among the victims in Monday’s mass shooting in Midtown Manhattan.
Etienne, 46, the son of Haitian immigrants, was an unarmed security officer with the McLane Security firm working a shift at 345 Park Avenue in Manhattan when the gunman carrying an automatic rifle shot him, along with others, including a New York Police Department (NYPD) officer on private duty.
Mayor Eric Adams said the gunman who killed four people when he stormed a skyscraper in the heart of New York on Monday evening left a note that appeared to blame the National Football League (NFL) for a brain injury.
The attacker, 27-year-old Shane Tamura of Las Vegas, shot himself dead after opening fire in a building where the American football league has its headquarters, but went to a different part of the building after taking the wrong lift.
“Security guards are asked to perform their duties under intense circumstances with limited resources day in and day out,” Jeffries, representative for the 8th Congressional District that encompasses parts of Brooklyn and Queens in New York, told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC).
“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 said Etienne was “a proud member” of local labour union 32BJ SEIU, devoted father of two, and beloved son.
He said Etienne will be remembered as “a kind soul who touched the hearts of all those who had the privilege to know him.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the Etienne family, the Canarsie community, and the brothers and sisters of 32BJ. May he forever rest in peace,” Jeffries said.
President of Local 32BJ, Manny Pastreich, described Etienne as a “dedicated security officer who took his job duties extremely seriously.”
Jeffries had earlier this week said the murder of “a brave New York City police officer and several innocent civilians” was “tragic and horrifying.
“We mourn their loss and stand with their families during this time of need. Our prayers and gratitude are also with those heroic law enforcement officers and first responders who put their lives on the line and selflessly rushed to the scene to save others.
“Mass shootings are a plague. The gun violence epidemic continues to afflict our country and has now shattered lives in our great city. The time has come for decisive action,” Jeffries added.
New York State Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, the daughter of Haitian immigrants, who chairs the Brooklyn Democratic Party, also said it was “both heartbreaking and deeply troubling that yet another act of gun violence has impacted the lives of five individuals, including Officer Didarul Islam, in New York City.
“As we work to challenge the policies and laws that make such tragedies more frequent, let us take a moment of silence to honor and pray for the families and loved ones of those affected,” she told CMC.
“l am grateful to the first responders who acted quickly, and I remain committed to advancing meaningful gun safety legislation, strengthening access to mental health support and prioritizing public safety in every space – including our workplace,” added Bichotte Hermelyn, who represents the 42nd Assembly District in Brooklyn and serves as Majority Whip in New York State Assembly.
Bichotte Hermelyn’s Assembly colleague, Monique Chandler-Waterman, the daughter of Jamaican and Barbadian immigrants, said that, as co-chair of the New York State Anti-Gun Violence Subcommittee of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus, “we have remained committed to supporting fellow leaders and communities with resources to address this ongoing global crisis.
“Although these steps are vital towards ending gun violence and addressing the trauma that continues to devastate our communities, the continued loss of lives indicates that there is much more that we must continue to advocate for more investments until the day we can say ‘not another loved one or a child was murdered, due to gun violence,’” added Chandler-Waterman, who represents the 58th Assembly District in Brooklyn.
Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, whose father hailed from Trinidad and Tobago, extended “deepest condolences and prayers” to the victims of Monday’s “horrific shooting in Midtown.
“In yet another horrific instance of incessant gun violence plaguing our city and our nation, four innocent lives have been tragically taken from us too soon,” Gibson said.
“We join in collective mourning during this time of immense pain and sorrow. May God grant peace, healing, and strength to the families, friends, and loved ones of the victims. Our hearts are with you,” she added.
Members of the 67th Precinct Clergy Council in Brooklyn, popularly known as “The GodSquad”, a faith-based organization dedicated to ending gun violence, said they were “heartbroken by the tragic mass shooting that took place in Midtown Manhattan, which claimed the lives of four individuals, including NYPD Officer Didarul Islam, a devoted public servant and member of the force for three-and-a-half-years, serving our city with courage and compassion.
“His death is a sobering reminder of the urgent need to address the crisis of gun violence that continues to plague our communities,” the GodSquad said, adding that it remains “committed to working hand-in-hand with the NYPD, community leaders, clergy, and youth to build safer streets through prevention, education, and healing.
“This tragedy must renew our collective resolve to confront the root causes of violence and to stand together as one city, united in peace,” it added.
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