Hundreds honor security guard killed in New York office tower shooting
Share this @internewscast.com

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.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Southern California’s ‘Home for the Holidays’ Sting Rescues 19 from Human Trafficking Nightmare

The “Home for the Holidays” initiative, led by the Human Trafficking Task…

Heroic Trooper Rescues Woman from I-81 Bridge, Highlights Holiday Mental Health Awareness

Editor’s Note: This article addresses the sensitive issue of suicide, which may…

New ‘Ink of Hope Act’ Mandates Anti-Trafficking Training for Tattoo Artists: A Step Towards Safer Communities

In a significant step toward combating human trafficking, Tennessee has introduced the…

Reviving the Plains: How Hungary’s ‘Water Guardian’ Farmers Combat Desertification

KISKUNMAJSA – Oszkár Nagyapáti peered into the depths of a sandy pit…

Florida Enacts New Animal Protection Laws: Key Changes and What They Mean for Pet Owners

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Starting January 1, Florida will implement two new laws…

Mastering Change: Expert Strategies for Navigating Transitions as 2026 Approaches

NEW YORK – As December draws to a close, it’s that reflective…

Apopka Police Request Public Assistance in Locating 37-Year-Old Woman Missing Since 2018

APOPKA, Fla. – Authorities in Apopka are urging the community to assist…

Tennessee and Illinois Gear Up for an Exciting Showdown at the Music City Bowl

The stage is set for an exhilarating showdown as the Tennessee Volunteers…

Discover 11 Iconic Songs That Found Inspiration in Brigitte Bardot

NEW YORK – Brigitte Bardot, a renowned figure of the 1960s celebrated…

Mastering Change: Essential Strategies for Navigating 2026’s Transformative Transitions

NEW YORK – As December draws to a close, it’s that reflective…

SpaceX Schedules Next Florida Rocket Launch: Upcoming Date and Key Details Revealed

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early hours of Saturday, SpaceX is…

China, Cambodia, and Thailand Diplomats Convene to Enhance Beijing’s Influence in Regional Dispute

HONG KONG – On Monday, foreign ministers from Cambodia and Thailand gathered…