Latest news with #Local32BJ
Yahoo
30-07-2025
- Yahoo
Aland Etienne, lobby security guard in Park Avenue mass shooting, died trying to stop elevators, NYPD says
NEW YORK — Aland Etienne, the security guard murdered in a mass shooting in the lobby of a Park Avenue skyscraper, spent the final moments of his life trying to save others, NYPD officials revealed Wednesday. Etienne, 46, 'tried to crawl to hit the button to recall the elevators so the elevators wouldn't go to the top floor,' Deputy Mayor Kaz Daughtry said on Fox 5's 'Good Day New York.' But the attempt to stop the elevators was unsuccessful and gunman Shane Tamura made it to the 33rd floor, where shot a woman to death after killing Etienne, a police officer and a woman in the lobby and wounding a survivor. Tamura then shot himself to death on the 33rd floor. As the investigation into Monday evening's mass shooting continues, Daughtry said more stories about the life-and-death drama that unfolded 'will come out.' Etienne's final act of bravery is typical of how he did his job. Manny Pastreich, president of Local 32BJ of the Service Employees International Union, said in a statement that Etienne was 'a dedicated security officer who took his job duties extremely seriously.' 'Every time a security officer puts on their uniform, they put their lives on the line,' Pastreich added. 'Their contributions to our city are essential, though often unappreciated. Aland Etienne is a New York hero. We will remember him as such.' Etienne and his girlfriend had been looking forward to this Saturday, the day their son turns 7. He also left behind five brothers and a sister. One of the brothers, Gathmand Etienne, said in a social media post Tuesday that his family had 'suffered a heartbreaking tragedy.' 'He was more than a brother — he was a father, a son, and a light in our lives,' he wrote. 'Our hearts are shattered, and we're asking for your prayers and strength as we navigate this painful time.' _____
New York Times
29-07-2025
- New York Times
Aland Etienne Was a Devoted Father and ‘Beloved' Security Officer
Aland Etienne, an unarmed security officer who was among the victims in a shooting on Monday at an office tower in New York, was a devoted father of two school-aged children and a well-respected employee, according to relatives. Mr. Etienne, 46, whose family is from Haiti, was working a shift in the building at 345 Park Avenue when a gunman burst into the lobby. Mr. Etienne ducked behind a security desk to take cover, according to the police. But as the gunman approached an elevator bank near the desk, he fatally shot Mr. Etienne. Family members and the union that represented Mr. Etienne, Local 32BJ, identified him as one of the victims killed in the attack. His brother, Gathmand Etienne, confirmed Mr. Etienne's death but said in a brief telephone interview that he was not in a state of mind to speak further. He wrote in a social media post that 'he was more than a brother.' 'He was a father, a son, and a light in our lives,' he wrote. 'Our hearts are shattered.' Mr. Etienne was an employee of McLane Security and held a license as an unarmed registered security guard. It was unclear how long he had worked in the Midtown Manhattan skyscraper. He had completed a mandatory introductory course for security officers in 2017 and separate on-the-job training — which must be done within 90 days of employment — in October 2021, according to state records. The Rudins, the real estate family who own the Park Avenue building, described Mr. Etienne in a statement as a 'beloved' presence in the main lobby. And Manny Pastreich, the president of Local 32BJ, called Mr. Etienne a 'dedicated security officer who took his job duties extremely seriously.' He said that the tragedy underscored the immense sacrifice that security officers make in risking their lives to protect New Yorkers. Local 32BJ represents about 90,000 New York City workers including security guards and janitors. 'Their contributions to our city are essential, though often unappreciated,' Mr. Pastreich said in a statement on Tuesday. 'Aland Etienne is a New York hero. We will remember him as such.' The victim's sister, Mabline Etienne, said in a brief telephone interview that she could not stop thinking about her big brother's warm, inviting smile. She described him as a naturally gregarious and lighthearted pillar of the family, who often felt most fulfilled when he could spend time with relatives. 'He was a great person with a great character,' Ms. Etienne said, before trailing off. 'Always happy, always smiling.' Susan C. Beachy contributed research.
New York Times
14-04-2025
- Business
- New York Times
Cuomo Wins Backing of 2 Major Unions That Once Pushed Him to Resign
Two influential New York City labor unions that backed Mayor Eric Adams in 2021 switched their support on Monday to former Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, reflecting his growing dominance as the race for mayor accelerates. The coveted endorsements came from the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council and Local 32BJ of the Service Employees International Union, which represents building workers. Together, the unions have more than 125,000 members, and they typically spend millions of dollars supporting their chosen candidates. Both unions have a contentious history with Mr. Cuomo. They worked with him to pass a statewide increase to the minimum wage and other policies as governor, but later called for his resignation in 2021 amid mounting sexual harassment accusations. (Mr. Cuomo, who resigned, denies any wrongdoing.) Now, they have concluded that Mr. Adams is fading politically and Mr. Cuomo is on an increasingly direct path to City Hall. And like much of the city's Democratic establishment, the unions appear more interested in making amends than antagonizing a famously sharp-elbowed leader who could soon have influence over city contracts and other union priorities. In a joint endorsement on Monday, the union leaders praised Mr. Cuomo as a steady supporter of working New Yorkers and the kind of leader who could stand up to President Trump as he threatens to withhold federal funding from cities like New York and undermine labor rights. 'As Andrew Cuomo said when he recently addressed our members, when we need him in a fight, he will be in the foxhole with us until the end,' said Rich Maroko, the head of the hotel and casino union. Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times. Thank you for your patience while we verify access. Already a subscriber? Log in. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
New York Times
04-03-2025
- Politics
- New York Times
N.Y.C. Council Speaker Attacks Trump in Potential Preview of Mayoral Bid
As the speaker of the New York City Council, Adrienne Adams's annual State of the City address would typically be seen as a blueprint for the Council's agenda in the coming year. But her speech on Tuesday carried far more weight. Ms. Adams formed a campaign committee to run for mayor last week, in preparation for a potential late bid, with the Democratic primary looming in June. She is expected to make a final decision this week, but signs seems to be pointing to her jumping in the race. She is assembling a campaign team and participated this weekend in a screening for the endorsement of Local 32BJ of the Service Employees International Union, an influential city union. Even if she doesn't run, her vision for New York City also carried added importance given the diminished influence of Mayor Eric Adams; under Ms. Adams's leadership, the Council has overridden the mayor's vetoes on critical criminal justice measures. She told the crowd gathered at Lincoln Center that her agenda reflects her style of collaborative and community-facing leadership, a model that can be 'scaled for greater impact' by those who control the levers of power. 'Throughout my time in office, I've been labeled a 'moderate' in people's attempt to make sense of who I am. But my focus has always been public service, which has no political label,' Ms. Adams said, according to an advance copy of her speech. 'How we gauge policy solutions should be based on their effectiveness in improving the lives of New Yorkers.' Should she choose to run, Ms. Adams faces an uphill battle. She'll have a compressed period to raise money and boost her low name recognition. None of the four previous Council speakers who have run for mayor have been successful, and no woman has ever served as mayor. And the entrance into the race over the weekend of former governor Andrew M. Cuomo, who polls show is the front-runner, has shifted the center of gravity of the contest. Ms. Adams mentioned none of that in her speech at Jazz at Lincoln Center, where she instead focused on accomplishments such as a plan to boost the production of affordable housing, extend discounts for those struggling to pay bus and subway fares and to protect immigrant and L.G.B.T.Q. people and families from the policies of the Trump administration. Ms. Adams criticized President Trump throughout her speech, saying he was on a 'cruel crusade against immigrant families,' was 'willing to burn everything in his way' for power and that his policies were damaging small businesses. Mr. Adams, who is not related to the Council speaker, has been criticized for not speaking more forcefully against Trump administration policies that are likely to harm the city. The mayor has been accused of being beholden to Mr. Trump after the Justice Department moved to dismiss a five-count federal corruption indictment against him. The federal prosecutor handling the case resigned rather than dismiss the charges. She said there was a quid pro quo, in which the mayor would participate in Trump administration immigration enforcement in exchange for a dismissal of the charges. Among the new proposals Ms. Adams introduced was a plan to fund vouchers for families with children 2 years old and younger that would allow those making slightly more than the limit eligible for assistance. She also proposed a plan to help adults and young people obtain degrees at the City University of New York by providing up to $1,000 to clear unpaid balances so students could re-enroll in classes. To increase the growth of minority- and women-owned business, Ms. Adams proposed a 'minority business accelerator' that would help firms gain contracts from the private industry. She proposed legislation that would speed payment to nonprofits that provide residents with vital city services. To help with the mental health crisis, Ms. Adams proposed creating a 'holistic' model to make community centers places that provide access to mental health services, as well as physical and recreational opportunities. She also announced a plan to expand library access by restoring seven-day-per-week service at 10 branches across the city. Ms. Adams led a charge to reverse the mayor's proposal to cut $58.3 million in library funding last year. 'We need solutions more than slogans, service rather than saviors and partnership over patriarchy,' Ms. Adams said. 'The dignity and trust in government leadership has been shaken in our city and it must be restored.'
