SAN DIEGO, United States (CMC) – The San Diego-based Haitian Bridge Alliance (HBA) on Saturday mourned the “heartbreaking death” of Aland Etienne, a Haitian immigrant described as a devoted father of two who was killed in a mass shooting while working unarmed on Monday as a security officer in Midtown Manhattan.

HBA Executive Director Guerline Jozef told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that Etienne, 46, a member of the labour union 32BJ SEIU, with more than six years of service at 345 Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, was widely remembered by his family, labour union and the community as “a dedicated professional and New York City hero.”

“Our thoughts and heartfelt prayers are with the families and loved ones of Wesley LePatner, Didarul Islam, and Julia Hyman , who were also tragically killed by the gunman,” Jozef said.

“ Aland Etienne embodied courage, service, and the enduring spirit of the Haitian Diaspora in the United States. He honoured his community by showing up every day to protect others, and his loss has left a void no words can heal,” she added. “We demand justice and accountability for his senseless death and call on city and building officials to strengthen protections and support for security workers.”

“Etienne’s passing is not just a personal tragedy—it is a sharp reminder of the systemic vulnerabilities immigrant workers face, and the urgent need for safe workplaces and racial justice,” Jozef continued.

On Tuesday, United States (US) House of Representatives’ Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said he was also “heartbroken” by the tragic murder of Etienne, a constituent, who lived in the Canarsie section of Brooklyn.

Etienne was working a shift at 345 Park Avenue in Manhattan when a gunman carrying an automatic rifle shot him, along with others, including a NYPD officer on private duty.

“Security guards are asked to perform their duties under intense circumstances with limited resources day in and day out,” said Jeffries, who represents the 8th Congressional District, encompassing parts of Brooklyn and Queens in New York.

“Aland put his life on the line and faithfully showed up to work to protect the employees and visitors at 345 Park Avenue,” he added. “Our city is forever indebted to him.”

Jeffries said Etienne was “a proud member” of 32BJ SEIU, a devoted father of two and a beloved son.

He said Etienne will be remembered as “a kind soul who touched the hearts of all those who had the privilege to know him.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the Etienne family, the Canarsie community and the brothers and sisters of 32BJ,” Jeffries said. “May he forever rest in peace.”