FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 24, 2012 CONTACT: Joseph Kosten
202.445.4360
jkosten@ncvc.org
Washington, DC—In the aftermath of the shooting outside the Empire State Building, the National Center for Victims of Crime’s thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the people of New York City. The world admires New Yorkers’ continued resilience and compassion as they care for those directly impacted by today’s shooting. This crime reminds us that workplace violence continues to be a serious and deadly problem.
“Employers, security personnel, and property managers must remain constantly vigilant,” said Mai Fernandez, Executive Director of the National Center. “Nearly 80 percent of workplace homicides were the result of shootings, which makes it clear that a threat can very quickly turn deadly.”
Initial reports indicate that today’s assailant was a disgruntled former employee. Between 2005 and 2009, about 21 percent of workplace homicides were committed by work associates. “It appears that security officers appropriately denied the assailant admission to the building, but investigations will determine what else could have been done to prevent this horrific crime,” said Fernandez.
For more information on workplace violence, visit our website at www.victimsofcrime.org.
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The National Center for Victims of Crime, established in 1985, is the nation’s leading resource and advocacy organization for crime victims and those who serve them. For more than 25 years, the National Center has led this nation’s struggle to provide crime victims with the rights, protections, and services they need to rebuild their lives.