Security Guard Aland Etienne Identified Among Victims in Midtown Manhattan Mass Shooting; Remembered as a ‘New York Hero’

Security Guard Aland Etienne Identified Among Victims in Midtown Manhattan Mass Shooting; Remembered as a ‘New York Hero’

On the evening of July 28, 2025, a 27-year-old man, identified as Shane Devon Tamura, carried out a mass shooting inside the lobby of 345 Park Avenue, a major office tower housing offices such as Blackstone, Rudin Management, the NFL, and others.

Tamura drove from Las Vegas carrying an AR‑15‑style rifle, additional firearms, ammunition, and prescription meds in his vehicle. He entered the building around 6:30 pm, targeting what he apparently believed were NFL offices, having blamed the NFL for his supposed chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and demanded his brain be examined after death

He then immediately opened fire in the lobby: first killing off‑duty NYPD Officer Didarul Islam, who was stationed there as part-time security; next fatally shooting Blackstone executive Wesley LePatner, followed by security guard Aland Etienne; before reaching the 33rd floor and killing a Rudin Management employee, after which he turned the weapon on himself .

A fifth person—a finance department employee of the NFL—was seriously injured but is expected to recover after surgery .

🕊️ The Victims

Aland Etienne

• A 46-year-old security officer working in the lobby of 345 Park Avenue, killed while at his station

• Identified by major union 32BJ SEIU, with President Manny Pastreich noting Etienne was “a dedicated security officer who took his job duties extremely seriously” and calling him “a New York hero” .

Didarul Islam

• A 36-year-old off-duty NYPD officer working as part of extra building security in the lobby; he left behind two young sons and a pregnant wife .

• Islam is memorialized for making the ultimate sacrifice in defense of others .

Wesley LePatner

• A senior Blackstone executive, mother of two children; served as Global Head of Core+ Real Estate and CEO of Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust .

• Blackstone called her “brilliant, passionate, warm, generous, and deeply respected” .

Julia Hyman

• A 27-year-old Cornell University graduate and employee of Rudin Management, killed on the 33rd floor when the gunman mistakenly took the wrong elevator bank meant for the NFL floor.

NFL Employee (Injured)

• A finance department employee working in the NFL’s offices was shot and taken to the hospital. After surgery, the employee is in stable condition .

🧠 Suspect Motivations & Background

• Tamura, originally from Las Vegas, had a documented history of mental illness, including crisis holds in 2022 and 2024 in Nevada. He also held a Nevada concealed‑carry permit and had previously worked in surveillance at a casino.

• A three‑page handwritten note found on him blamed the NFL for mental injury due to suspected CTE, demanded his brain be studied, and cited former NFL player Terry Long by name

• Authorities believe he meant to target the NFL offices but took the wrong elevator bank, ending up on Rudin Management’s 33rd‑floor office instead.

🏙️ Aftermath & Reactions

• Mayor Eric Adams and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch praised the victims’ bravery, especially Officer Islam and security personnel like Etienne, who put their lives on the line for public safety .

• State officials called for renewed focus on assault weapons regulation, expanded mental health support, and review of gun licensing and Red Flag laws.

• The tragedy has also sparked broader concerns over the effects of CTE, football-related head trauma, and the mental health support infrastructure across the country .

🎗️ Legacy & Remembrance

• Aland Etienne is being honored by his union and fellow New Yorkers as a hero who lost his life protecting others. His death has brought renewed awareness to the risks taken daily by building security staff

• Collectively, the victims represented public service, corporate leadership, and everyday people: their deaths leave a profound impact on their families, colleagues, and the city at large.

🧭 In Summary

The Midtown Manhattan mass shooting on July 28, 2025 was a deliberate but tragically misdirected attack by Shane Tamura, who targeted the NFL but ended up killing four individuals—Didarul Islam, Wesley LePatner, Aland Etienne, and Julia Hyman—before committing suicide. Etienne, the security guard, is remembered for his selfless commitment and service at the security desk where he lost his life. The incident has sparked renewed debate about mental health, gun control, and the hidden sacrifices made by working-class guardians of public safety.