In the heart of New York City, two recent shootings have cast a long shadow over a city already grappling with rising concerns about gun violence. The first incident, unfolding in the early hours of August 9, 2025, saw chaos erupt in Times Square—a place known for its neon lights, bustling crowds, and ceaseless energy. Just days earlier, another tragedy had struck at a Midtown Manhattan skyscraper, culminating in a funeral that drew hundreds of mourners and city leaders alike.
At around 1:20 a.m. on August 9, the familiar hum of Times Square was shattered by gunfire near West 44th Street and 7th Avenue. According to police statements reported by CrispNG, the violence began as a verbal dispute between two individuals. In a matter of moments, the altercation escalated, and a minor—now in custody—allegedly opened fire. Three people were hit: an 18-year-old woman suffered a neck wound, while two men, aged 19 and 65, sustained gunshot injuries. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic, with bodies on the ground and bullet holes piercing car windows. The victims were rushed to Bellevue Hospital, where they remain in stable condition.
Social media quickly filled with footage of the aftermath—flashing police lights, shattered glass, and the unmistakable sense of fear that lingers after such violence. "Three people have been shot in the heart of Times Square. Bodies are on the ground, bullet holes pierce car windows. The chaos unfolded near a major tourist area. One suspect is in custody," Viral News NYC posted on X (formerly Twitter), capturing the confusion and urgency of the moment.
The shooting, though shocking, was not entirely isolated. Just days earlier, another act of violence had rocked the city. On July 28, 2025, at 345 Park Avenue, security guard Aland Etienne lost his life trying to save others during a mass shooting. The gunman, Shane Tamura, entered the building armed with an assault weapon, killing Police Officer Didarul Islam before shooting Etienne as he attempted to sound the alarm and prevent the attacker from reaching upper floors. Despite being wounded, Etienne tried to crawl to the elevator controls—a final act of heroism that would cost him his life.
Etienne’s funeral, held on August 9, drew more than 300 mourners, including city officials like mayoral Democratic front-runner Zohran Mamdani and Mayor Adams. The service was a somber reminder of the human toll behind the headlines. As reported by the Daily News, Etienne’s brother Gathman spoke through tears: "He took away a man who still had so much to give. A man who was working, trying to provide for his family. A man who should be here with us today." Another brother, Smith, remembered Aland as "a humble, steady, kind New York hero. In his final moments, he acted to protect others."
Etienne’s story is one of quiet courage. After emigrating from Haiti in 2017, he became a security guard at one of Manhattan’s most prominent buildings, always showing up for his family and colleagues. His fiancée, Rachelle Paoli, recalled their enduring love, saying, "You are someone that I could always count on. In good and in bad times. When I met you I was 16 years old. The love and the friendship that we learned how together for many years will remain engraved in my memory forever."
The tragedy has left Etienne’s young son—just five years old—struggling to understand his father’s absence. "The little boy thinks that daddy’s at the hospital," shared Camille Isemylee, a close family member. "He thinks he’s coming, you know? That he’s coming, that something happened to Daddy and that Mommy’s going to go get Daddy."
The July 28 shooting was part of a broader pattern of violence that has become all too familiar in American cities. Tamura, the shooter, had a documented history of mental illness and suicidal behavior. According to officials, he believed he suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)—a brain disease often associated with repeated head injuries in football players. Though Tamura had only played football in high school, he blamed the NFL for his perceived condition, leading him to target the league’s headquarters in his deadly rampage. Tamura killed four people in total—Islam, Etienne, Blackstone executive Wesley LePatner, and Rudin employee Julia Hyman—before taking his own life. An NFL employee was also badly wounded.
As the city mourns, the community has rallied to support Etienne’s family. A GoFundMe campaign has raised more than $192,000, providing a measure of relief amid overwhelming grief. Union president Manny Pastreich, representing 32BJ SEIU, spoke to Etienne’s legacy: "The cleaners, maintenance staff and fellow security officers at 345 Park Ave. who were greeted each day by Aland have expressed how much they miss seeing him. They called him a friend, a union brother and a protector. They recognize how Aland fought to keep them safe—and how grateful they are to have survived because of him. Aland’s legacy lives large. He represents the essential workers who are the backbone of this city."
The proximity of these two shootings—one in Times Square, the other at a Midtown skyscraper—has intensified public anxiety and renewed debates about gun violence. According to reporting by CrispNG, several factors contribute to the United States’ ongoing struggle with firearm-related incidents. Widespread gun accessibility, cultural normalization of gun ownership, mental health crises, gang violence, political extremism, and inconsistent enforcement of gun laws all play a role. Even in bustling, high-profile areas like Times Square, disputes can escalate quickly when firearms are present.
New York’s leaders have responded with calls for reform and solidarity. Members of Etienne’s union worked with Senator Chuck Schumer’s office to fast-track a visa for his daughter, allowing her to attend the funeral from the Dominican Republic. The city’s mayor and political hopefuls have attended vigils and services, underscoring the deep sense of loss felt across the five boroughs.
For many New Yorkers, these events serve as a stark reminder that behind each headline are families and communities forever changed. The stories of those like Aland Etienne—who showed up, who protected, who loved—offer a glimmer of hope and a call to action. The city, resilient as ever, continues to search for answers, even as it mourns its losses and confronts the urgent need for change.