NEW YORK, NY — The city of New York is once again shrouded in grief following the tragic events that unfolded in Manhattan on Monday, leaving several people dead and many more in mourning. Among the victims of the senseless shooting was Aland Etienne, a dedicated security guard and respected member of the 32BJ SEIU union, whose commitment to protecting others ultimately cost him his life.
Aland Etienne, whose name has now been publicly released by both local authorities and the 32BJ SEIU, was remembered by his peers as a professional who took great pride in his role and carried out his responsibilities with integrity and courage. He was working in the line of duty at the time of the attack, which took place at an office building on Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan — a complex that houses several high-profile tenants including the NFL, KPMG, and Blackstone.
Etienne, along with three others, lost his life when the shooter — identified as 27-year-old Shane Tamura of Las Vegas — opened fire inside the building. The gunman, who reportedly had targeted the NFL’s offices, later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack and the motive behind it.
A Life of Duty and Service
At just [insert age if known], Aland Etienne had already become a cornerstone of the security staff within the high-traffic office complex where the shooting occurred. Known for his calm demeanor, strong work ethic, and unwavering sense of responsibility, Etienne was someone both his coworkers and the building’s occupants trusted and respected.
In a heartfelt statement, SEIU President Manny Pastreich expressed the profound sorrow felt by Etienne’s union and community:
“We extend our deep condolences to the families and friends who lost loved ones tonight, including that of our own 32BJ SEIU security member Aland Etienne, a dedicated security officer who took his job duties extremely seriously.”
That sense of seriousness, said colleagues, was paired with a deep empathy for others. Etienne was the type of professional who would go above and beyond, whether it was staying late to ensure a tenant felt safe walking to their car, or checking in on a colleague who seemed to be having a rough day.
Remembering Aland
Friends and family are now left grappling with the brutal reality of a life cut short far too soon. Those who knew Aland describe him as warm-hearted, humble, and generous — a man whose presence brought comfort to others, and whose quiet courage was evident not just in his work, but in the way he lived his life.
“Aland was one of the kindest people you could ever meet,” said one close friend. “He took pride in what he did, not for recognition or applause, but because he genuinely cared about people. That was who he was.”
His death has sparked an outpouring of grief from both the security community and those who interacted with him regularly in the building. Many have laid flowers and handwritten notes at a makeshift memorial near the building’s entrance, honoring a man who showed up every day to serve and protect others.
A Community in Mourning
The tragedy that claimed Aland Etienne’s life has once again underscored the dangers that many frontline workers — particularly those in security and public safety — face every day. While much of the public often goes about their day unaware, individuals like Aland stand at the ready, ensuring that office buildings, schools, hospitals, and public spaces remain safe.
As details of the horrific event continue to unfold, the broader New York community is being asked to remember not only the incident but the people at the heart of it — people like Aland Etienne, who gave their all and paid the ultimate price.
Funeral arrangements for Etienne are expected to be announced in the coming days. The 32BJ SEIU has also indicated they will honor his memory in an official ceremony and are offering support to his grieving family.
Rest in Peace, Aland Etienne
Your courage, dignity, and selfless service will never be forgotten. You died doing what you did best — protecting others — and for that, your memory will forever be honored in the city you helped safeguard.
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