New York City — A fundraiser for the children of a security guard killed in a mass shooting in Midtown Manhattan has raised more than $60,000, illustrating a community’s response to a tragic event that claimed the life of a devoted father and family man. Aland Etienne, 46, was among four victims killed during a shooting spree by Shane Tamura at 345 Park Avenue on July 28.
Etienne was on duty when the gunman opened fire, leaving behind two children and a wife grappling with the loss of their primary provider, according to the GoFundMe page set up in his memory. Friends and family remembered him as a source of strength and positivity, describing him as a man whose love and commitment to his family knew no bounds.
“He was the light in every room and the kind of father every child dreams of having,” the fundraiser noted. “His deepest desire was to provide his children with a bright future.” The financial support from the community aims to help his family navigate the challenges that lie ahead.
The incident shocked not only Etienne’s family but also the entire Midtown area, where he was known as a beloved figure in the workplace. On that fateful day, Shane Tamura, a former security guard from Las Vegas, indiscriminately opened fire, targeting individuals within the building. Alongside Etienne, other victims included Blackstone executive Wesley LePatner and NYPD officer Didarul Islam, both of whom also lost their lives during the attack.
While fleeing on the 33rd floor, Tamura shot at a cleaning woman who narrowly escaped by hiding in a closet before turning the gun on 27-year-old Julia Hyman, a management associate who tragically lost her life. Tamura subsequently took his own life, leaving a trail of grief and terror in his wake.
Etienne’s son had just celebrated his 7th birthday shortly before the tragedy, emphasizing the depth of the family’s loss. Friends and coworkers described him as a pillar of strength not only for his immediate family but for those who worked alongside him in the skyscraper.
Shooting motives are still under investigation, but reports indicate that Tamura harbored grievances linked to concussions he believed he sustained from high school football. Ironically, his targeting of NFL-related offices in the building was a misguided attempt at addressing his perceived injuries.
Funeral services for Etienne and the other victims were held last week, with family members sharing moving eulogies that encapsulated the profound impact these individuals had on their community. As the city mourns, the outpouring of support for Etienne’s children highlights a collective commitment to standing by those affected by senseless violence.