On a somber Saturday in Brooklyn, hundreds gathered to pay their final respects to Aland Etienne, the security guard whose life was cut short in last month’s mass shooting at a Manhattan office tower. Etienne, 46, was remembered not only as a dedicated protector but as a devoted father, grandfather, and pillar of his community—a man who, in his last moments, acted with extraordinary courage to shield others from harm.
The memorial service, held at the Guarino Funeral Home in Canarsie, drew a crowd that spilled onto the sidewalk. Family, friends, colleagues, and city leaders came together to honor a man whose story touched hearts across New York. Etienne’s journey began in Haiti, where he dreamed of a better life for himself and his family. In 2017, he made that dream a reality, emigrating to the United States and settling in Brooklyn. For over six years, he worked security at 345 Park Ave., the site of the tragic shooting that claimed his life on July 28, 2025. According to the Associated Press, Etienne was a familiar face to employees, always stationed at his post with a steady presence and a kind word.
On that fateful day, a gunman stormed the office tower, targeting the headquarters of the National Football League. In the chaos that followed, Etienne—unarmed—ducked behind his security desk and tried to lock down the building’s elevators, hoping to slow the shooter’s advance and protect those inside. Police say his actions were nothing short of heroic. Tragically, he was shot and killed, one of four victims lost in the attack. The gunman wounded a fifth person before taking his own life.
Etienne was the last of the four shooting victims to be laid to rest. Among the others was NYPD Officer Didarul Islam, a Bangladeshi-American who was working a department-approved private security detail that day. The other victims included an investment firm executive and a real estate firm worker, all of whom were remembered in services earlier in the week.
Etienne’s brother, Smith Etienne, spoke movingly at the memorial. “My brother will be remembered as a hero. A humble, steady, kind New York hero,” he said in a statement reported by the Associated Press. “Aland made the ultimate sacrifice, choosing bravery and selflessness over fear. In his final moments, he acted to protect others.”
For those who knew him best, Etienne’s legacy is deeply personal. “He was someone, you know, good heart ... Top of the family, the way he cared,” said Berthy Francilus, a longtime friend, in remarks shared by local news outlets. Etienne leaves behind a wife, four children, and a grandson—who served as a pallbearer at the funeral. The outpouring of grief was matched by an outpouring of support: an online fundraiser to assist his family has grown to nearly $200,000, a testament to the impact he made on those around him.
Among the mourners were city mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, both of whom came to pay their respects. Their presence underscored the broader significance of Etienne’s story—a reminder that the dangers faced by security personnel are all too real, and that their sacrifices often go unnoticed until tragedy strikes.
Manny Pastreich, president of Etienne’s union, 32BJ SEIU, spoke to this point in a statement. “His legacy will serve as a reminder of the contributions of immigrants, and the sacrifices, they make every day,” Pastreich said, as reported by the Associated Press. Indeed, both Etienne and Officer Islam were immigrants, emblematic of the diverse workforce that keeps New York City running. Pastreich’s words echoed through the crowd at a vigil held last week, where security officers from across the city gathered to honor Etienne’s memory and stand in solidarity with his family.
The dangers faced by security guards have come into sharper focus in the wake of the shooting. Colleagues from SEIU Local 32BJ emphasized that Etienne’s death highlights the risks inherent in their line of work. “This is what they do every day. They know that they put themselves on the line, and this is the kind of tragedy we never want to have happen,” a union member told local reporters. For many in attendance, Etienne’s story was a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by essential workers—often immigrants—who quietly serve as the backbone of the city.
As the city grapples with the aftermath of the shooting, the conversation has shifted to the need for greater protections and recognition for security personnel. The presence of high-profile mourners and union leaders at Etienne’s funeral signaled a growing awareness of these issues. Yet, for those closest to Etienne, the loss is deeply personal and painfully immediate. His family now faces an uncertain future, buoyed only by the support of their community and the knowledge that Aland’s bravery will not be forgotten.
Etienne’s story is one of hope, sacrifice, and resilience. An immigrant who came to America seeking a better life, he worked hard to provide for his loved ones and became a trusted figure in his workplace. In his final act, he chose to protect others, embodying the very best of what it means to be a New Yorker. As mourners filed out of the funeral home, many carried with them not just grief, but a renewed sense of gratitude for those who stand guard over the city every day.
The tragedy at 345 Park Ave. has left an indelible mark on New York, sparking conversations about workplace safety, the contributions of immigrants, and the unsung heroes who keep the city safe. For Aland Etienne’s family and friends, the pain of loss is profound—but so too is the pride in the legacy he leaves behind. As one union leader put it, Etienne’s life and sacrifice “will serve as a reminder of the contributions of immigrants, and the sacrifices, they make every day.”
The city continues to mourn, but also to remember—a hero in every sense of the word, whose courage and kindness will not soon be forgotten.