NEW YORK (AP) — A large crowd gathered to pay tribute to Aland Etienne, the security guard who lost his life in a shooting incident last month at a Manhattan office building. The gunman had been targeting the headquarters of the National Football League.
Aland Etienne, who immigrated from Haiti to the United States in 2017 with aspirations of a better future, was honored as a devoted father and grandfather. He was at his security post when the tragic incident occurred on July 28.
“My brother will be remembered as a hero. A humble, steady, kind New York hero,” said Smith Etienne, Aland’s brother, in a statement. “Aland made the ultimate sacrifice, choosing bravery and selflessness over fear. In his final moments, he acted to protect others.”
The memorial service for Etienne, aged 46, took place Saturday in Brooklyn. He was the last of the four shooting victims to be laid to rest. In addition to Etienne, a New York City police officer, an executive from an investment firm, and a worker from a real estate firm were killed. The gunman injured one other person before ending his own life.
Officer Didarul Islam, also slain and an immigrant like Etienne, was providing private security with department approval. Islam was of Bangladeshi-American descent.
Manny Pastreich, president of Etienne’s union, 32BJ SEIU, said Etienne’s legacy represents essential workers who form New York City’s backbone, as well as immigrants who arrive in the U.S. seeking better opportunities and contribute significantly to society.
“His legacy will serve as a reminder of the contributions of immigrants, and the sacrifices, they make every day,” Pastreich said in a statement.
Security officers from buildings across New York held a vigil last week to honor Etienne.
