In Loving Memory of Aland Etienne and the Victims of the 345 Park Avenue Tragedy
NEW YORK, NY — The city of New York is in mourning following a senseless and tragic mass shooting that unfolded Monday evening, July 28th, at 345 Park Avenue in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Among the four lives devastatingly cut short was Aland Etienne, a security guard whose heroic actions during the crisis have drawn widespread praise and whose death has left a deep void in the lives of his loved ones, colleagues, and the wider community.
Aland Etienne was more than just a security guard—he was a guardian, a protector, and a man who lived with integrity and courage. Witnesses at the scene report that Etienne acted swiftly and selflessly when the shooting began, putting the safety of others before his own. In his final moments, he did what he had done every day at work—tried to shield others from harm. For this, he is being rightfully remembered as a hero.
Etienne had served as a security professional for over a decade, widely respected for his calm demeanor, professionalism, and unwavering dedication. He was known to greet employees and visitors of the building with a warm smile and quiet confidence. Friends describe him as a gentle soul with a strong sense of duty. He was a devoted father, husband, and member of his community in Queens, where neighbors say he was always ready to lend a helping hand or offer a kind word.
Alongside Etienne, three other bright lights were extinguished far too soon in Monday’s brutal act of violence:
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Julia Hyman, 26, a beloved Cornell graduate and rising star at Rudin Management. Known for her brilliance, ambition, and compassion, Julia had quickly made her mark in the world of real estate development and had a promising future ahead of her. Her death has shattered the lives of her family, friends, and colleagues, who remember her as a vibrant force of nature, full of joy and generosity.
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Officer Didarul Islam, 36, an NYPD officer assigned to the Midtown South precinct. Officer Islam was off-duty but present at the building when the attack occurred. He responded without hesitation, trying to intervene and assist before being fatally wounded. A decorated officer and loving father of two, Islam is being remembered across the NYPD as a courageous public servant whose legacy will live on through his commitment to justice and his ultimate sacrifice.
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Wesley LePatner, 43, a senior managing director at Blackstone and CEO of the firm’s Core+ Real Estate group. LePatner was widely admired in the business world for her leadership, vision, and mentorship. She had broken barriers in a historically male-dominated industry and was a powerful advocate for women in finance. Her sudden loss has sent shockwaves through the corporate world, and tributes have poured in from colleagues around the globe, remembering her not only as a trailblazer but as a kind-hearted and inspiring individual.
Authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the shooting, which has been described by officials as a targeted act of workplace violence that spiraled into mass tragedy. The suspect, whose identity has not yet been publicly confirmed, was apprehended at the scene and is currently in custody.
City leaders, including Mayor Eric Adams and Police Commissioner Edward Caban, held a press conference Tuesday morning, expressing their grief and reaffirming the city’s commitment to supporting the victims’ families and enhancing security measures at public and private facilities.
“We lost a hero in Aland Etienne,” said Mayor Adams. “We lost an officer, a protector of our streets, and young, promising lives who represented the very best of our city. We grieve, but we also stand united against this violence.”
In the days ahead, vigils and memorials will be held across the city to honor the lives of those lost. Blackstone, the NYPD, Rudin Management, and numerous community organizations have announced support funds and initiatives in the names of the victims.
As New Yorkers grapple with the pain and shock of this devastating event, one thing remains certain: the lives of Aland Etienne, Julia Hyman, Officer Didarul Islam, and Wesley LePatner will not be forgotten. They will be remembered for who they were and for the sacrifices they made—each of them embodying courage, commitment, and compassion.
May their memories live on in light, and may their families find strength in the outpouring of love from a grieving but resilient city.
