A local hero was honored as the Canarsie community gathered to say goodbye to one of its own, Aland Etienne. On Saturday, August 9th, the 46-year-old security guard who was killed in the mass shooting at 345 Park Avenue on July 28th was laid to rest. The Guarino Funeral Home was filled with mourners: family, friends, union colleagues and elected officials, all honoring a sacrifice that reached far beyond Brooklyn.
During the service, his best friend spoke about texting Etienne during the shootings, saying, “Hey, something is going on in your area.” Etienne never responded, and the next day he found out that his lifelong best friend was a victim of the mass shooting. Cries from loved ones filled the funeral home, some sending chills down mourners’ spines.
Among the mourners was Cadley, who was emotional yet composed. “Alan is my dad’s cousin. They grew up together in Haiti. He was like a big, bright bowl of sunshine,” she said. “Any room he walked into — you noticed him. Always smiling, full of energy. He loved his family and his brothers. When I first met him at 18, he immediately started talking about them. He was very supportive. He loved his kids. He’d sit down, listen and say, ‘Breathe. Pray. You got this.’ I still can’t believe he’s gone. It’s ridiculous — no gun control, and all these politicians just sit there. If you met him, you would have loved him.”
His colleague Al, who worked with him at Blackstone, shared a touching memory of their daily chats: “We talked every day. My name’s Alan too, so he’d say, ‘What’s up, Alan?’ and I’d reply, ‘What’s up, Al?’ He was a really cool brother. We’ll miss him. We all loved him there.” He paused, grief clear in his voice. “They gave us time off and therapy at work, but it’s hard to deal with. It’s unimaginable.”
Etienne’s bravery on that tragic day was commemorated throughout the service. While stationed at his post when the shooter entered the building in Midtown Manhattan, the security guard tried to stop the assailant’s progress by halting the elevator — an act that likely saved lives at the cost of his own. Investigators reported that he ducked behind the security desk, trying to secure the building before he was fatally struck.
Union leaders referred to him as a quiet hero. Manny Pastreich, president of 32BJ SEIU, described Etienne as “a dedicated security officer who took his job seriously,” praising his commitment and calling him “a New York hero.”
The sanctuary was filled with sorrow, but it also overflowed with love. Voices shared stories of Etienne’s kindness, resilience and joy. Community leaders urged for stronger protection for frontline security staff and for tougher nationwide gun safety laws. Councilwoman Farah Louis highlighted the pain felt across the Haitian community and stressed the importance of mental health support and legislative reform.
As the service ended and Etienne’s casket was carried out into the warm August light, the crowd followed in quiet tribute. Some held hands, while others carried flowers. The streets of Canarsie seemed to pause in respect, honoring a man who gave everything so others could be safe.
Aland Etienne leaves behind his children, including a brave young son who served as a pallbearer, his grandchildren, partner Rachelle Paoli and a grieving community that will remember his sacrifice. His legacy — a story of service, hope and love — will live on. A GoFundMe campaign is nearing $200,000 to support his family.
Photos by Baqir Ahmad and Bristol Hendrix
