NEW YORK—A whole bunch turned out to honor the lifetime of Aland Etienne, the safety guard who was killed final month at a Manhattan workplace tower by a gunman concentrating on the headquarters of the Nationwide Soccer League.
An immigrant from Haiti who got here to the US in 2017 with a dream for a brand new life, Etienne was remembered as a devoted father and grandfather who was faithfully working at his safety publish when the gunman out of the blue opened fireplace on July 28.
“My brother will be remembered as a hero. A humble, steady, kind New York hero,” mentioned Smith Etienne, Aland’s brother, in an announcement. “Aland made the ultimate sacrifice, choosing bravery and selflessness over fear. In his final moments, he acted to protect others.”
The memorial service was held Saturday in Brooklyn for Etienne, 46, the final of the 4 capturing victims to be laid to relaxation. A New York Metropolis police officer, an funding agency government and an actual property agency employee had been additionally killed. The gunman wounded a fifth particular person earlier than taking his personal life.
Like Etienne, slain NYPD Officer Didarul Islam, who was working a department-approved non-public safety element that day, was an immigrant. Islam was Bangladeshi-American.
Manny Pastreich, president of Etienne’s union, 32BJ SEIU, mentioned Etienne represents not solely important employees who’re the spine of New York Metropolis, but in addition immigrants who come to the U.S. to construct a greater life and contribute in each massive and small methods.
“His legacy will serve as a reminder of the contributions of immigrants, and the sacrifices, they make every day,” Pastreich mentioned in an announcement.
Safety officers from buildings throughout New York held a vigil final week to honor Etienne.
Should you discovered this text attention-grabbing, please think about supporting conventional journalism
Our first version was revealed 25 years in the past from a basement in Atlanta. Immediately, The Epoch Instances brings fact-based, award-winning journalism to thousands and thousands of Individuals.
Our journalists have been threatened, arrested, and assaulted, however our dedication to unbiased journalism has by no means wavered. This yr marks our twenty fifth yr of unbiased reporting, free from company and political affect.
That’s why you’re invited to a limited-time introductory provide — simply $1 per week — so you possibly can be part of thousands and thousands already celebrating unbiased information.
