Hundreds honor security guard killed in New York office tower shooting

The life of Aland Etienne, the security guard who was killed last month in a Manhattan office tower, is reminiscent

New York – Hundreds of people have honored the life of Aland Etienne, the security guard who was killed last month in an office tower in Manhattan by a shooter targeting the headquarters of the National Football League.

Immigrant from Haiti who came to the United States in 2017 with a dream for a new life, Etienne was recalled as a devoted father and grandfather who worked faithfully in his security post when the shooter suddenly opened fire on July 28.

“My brother will remain memories like a hero. A humble, regular and kind hero of New York,” said Smith Etienne, Aland’s brother, in a statement. “Aland made the ultimate sacrifice, choosing bravery and altruism rather than fear. In his last moments, he acted to protect others. ”

The commemorative service took place on Saturday in Brooklyn for Etienne, 46, the last of the four victims of the shooting to rest. A New York police officer, an investment company manager and a real estate company were also killed. The shooter injured a fifth person before committing suicide.

Like Etienne, the NYPD officer killed Didarul Islam, who worked that day a private security detail approved by the department, was an immigrant. Islam was the Bangladais-American.

Manny Pastreich, president of the Union of Etienne, 32BJ Seiu, said that Etienne represents not only essential workers who are the backbone of New York, but also immigrants who come to the United States to build a better life and contribute big and small ways.

“His inheritance will serve as a reminder of the contributions of immigrants and sacrifices, they make every day,” Pastreich said in a statement.

New York buildings security agents organized a vigil last week to honor Etienne.