5 Dead in Aurora, IL Mass Shooting

5 Dead in Aurora, IL Mass Shooting

A gunman killed five people and wounded several more in a workplace violence situation on Friday in Aurora, Illinois. Here's what we know.

  • By Sydny Shepard
  • Feb 19, 2019

An HR meeting turned deadly when a gunman shot and killed five Henry Pratt manufacturing plant employees after learning that he'd been fired Friday in Aurora, Ill.

The gunman shot and killed three people who had called him into a meeting and then continued shooting and killing two more employees and injuring one before being confronted with police. Six police officers were injured in the incident, but are all expected to survive.

Police shot and killed the gunman, who open fired on them, ending the active shooter situation, which triggers a heavy police response in Aurora, just 40 miles from Chicago. 

After identifying the suspect, police told reporters that the suspect should not have had a gun, as he had previously been arrested six times and had a felony conviction in Mississippi. It is believed that the suspect knew that it was possible that he would be getting fired, and brought the gun into the HR meeting with him, according to Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman. Chief Ziman said the shooting happened right after he was fired.

Chief Ziman said the .40-caliber handgun had been purchased in 2014, weeks after he was issued a Firearm Owner's Identification Card. Days after he got the weapon, he applied for a concealed carry permit, but during the finger printing process, it was discovered that he had a felony conviction for aggravated assault. Once a felony of this caliber is found, the offender's conceal and carry permit should be reject and his FIOD card should be revoked. Chief Ziman said she believes no one followed up with the suspect's firearm.

"Absolutely, he was not supposed to be in possession of a firearm," Chief Ziman said. 

He five victims of the shooting at Clayton Park, human resources manager, Trevor Wehner, Northern Illinois University student and human resources intern, Russell Beyer, mold operator, Vincent Juarez, stock room attendant and fork lift operator, and Josh Pinkard, plant manager.

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

  • The Future of Access Control: Cloud-Based Solutions for Safer Workplaces

    Access controls have revolutionized the way we protect our people, assets and operations. Gone are the days of cumbersome keychains and the security liabilities they introduced, but it’s a mistake to think that their evolution has reached its peak. Read Now

  • A Look at AI

    Large language models (LLMs) have taken the world by storm. Within months of OpenAI launching its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, it amassed more than 100 million users, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in history. Read Now

  • First, Do No Harm: Responsibly Applying Artificial Intelligence

    It was 2022 when early LLMs (Large Language Models) brought the term “AI” into mainstream public consciousness and since then, we’ve seen security corporations and integrators attempt to develop their solutions and sales pitches around the biggest tech boom of the 21st century. However, not all “artificial intelligence” is equally suitable for security applications, and it’s essential for end users to remain vigilant in understanding how their solutions are utilizing AI. Read Now

  • Improve Incident Response With Intelligent Cloud Video Surveillance

    Video surveillance is a vital part of business security, helping institutions protect against everyday threats for increased employee, customer, and student safety. However, many outdated surveillance solutions lack the ability to offer immediate insights into critical incidents. This slows down investigations and limits how effectively teams can respond to situations, creating greater risks for the organization. Read Now

  • Security Today Announces 2025 CyberSecured Award Winners

    Security Today is pleased to announce the 2025 CyberSecured Awards winners. Sixteen companies are being recognized this year for their network products and other cybersecurity initiatives that secure our world today. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.