Colleagues recalled the Blackstone executive who was slain in the mass shooting in Manhattan as friendly and intelligent, while her family saw her as simply irreplaceable.
Wesley LePatner, a mother of two and a senior Blackstone executive, was slain in a mass shooting at the company’s New York offices, and Wall Street is in mourning.
At Blackstone, LePatner, 43, served as senior managing director. She was one of four persons killed in the July 28 incident in Manhattan, which happened at 345 Park Avenue, which is home to the NFL offices and Blackstone headquarters, among other places.
Authorities said the investigation is still ongoing, but the gunman apparently committed suicide during the incident.
Shane Tamura, 27, was recognised by the police as the shooter. LePatner, an NYPD cop, and two other people were killed after he opened fire after entering the lobby during the evening rush. Afterwards, he relocated to the 33rd floor, where he committed suicide.
KPMG and Rudin Management were among the other businesses impacted by the attack that had offices in the building. Some employees stayed put until they were led out by police at around ten o’clock in the evening due to emergency evacuations.
“We are heartbroken to share that our colleague, Wesley LePatner, was among those who lost their lives in the tragic incident at 345 Park Avenue. Words cannot express the devastation we feel,” read a statement from Blackstone.
Colleagues, according to the statement, characterised Wesley as “brilliant, passionate, warm, generous, and deeply respected within our firm and beyond.”
According to Reuters, Blackstone CEO Stephen Schwarzman and President Jon Grey described the episode as the “worst day in the firm’s 40 year history” in an internal note.
Additionally, the organisation provided support services to staff members and hosted an all-hands Zoom call. LePatner spent over ten years at Blackstone.
After ten years at Goldman Sachs, she joined the company in 2014 and worked her way up to become the CEO of the Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust and the Global Head of Core+ Real Estate.
Early in her Wall Street career, LePatner acknowledged that her Liberal Arts degree from Yale made her feel self-conscious. She also participated actively in a number of boards, such as the Met Museum.
Olivia John, the CEO of Osso Capital and a former coworker, emphasised LePatner’s support of women on Wall Street. “She had a pure heart, was humble, and always wanted to do what was right,” stated John.
LePatner’s parents, two children, and spouse all survive her.
The LePatner family released a statement saying, “We cannot adequately express the grief we feel upon the sudden and tragic loss of Wesley.” “She was the most loving wife, mother, daughter, sister and relative, who enriched our lives in every way imaginable.”
An off-duty NYPD cop who was commended for his bravery was one of the people slain in the same shooting. The 36-year-old was working security at 345 Park Avenue when he was shot and killed while off duty.
Islam, the slain officer, had been with the Bronx’s NYPD 47th precinct for three and a half years and was renowned for his calm devotion and strong sense of duty.
He and his wife and two small sons were immigrants from Bangladesh who resided in Queens. Right now, his wife is expecting their third kid. The loss of a guy who was characterised as brave and unselfish has left the department, city leaders, and fellow police in sadness.
“Police Officer Didarul Islam represented the very best of our department,” the NYPD said in a statement. “He was protecting New Yorkers from danger when his life was tragically cut short today. We join in prayer during this time of incomprehensible pain. We will forever honor his legacy.”
In a press conference, the NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch emphasized that Officer Islam lost his life while doing the job he had been tasked to do, putting himself in harm’s way and making the ultimate sacrifice. “Shot in cold blood, wearing a uniform that stood for the promise that he made to the city. He dies as he lived, a hero,” Tisch added.
Officer Islam was referred to as “the best of New York City” by Mayor Eric Adams, who also praised him, saying that he “put on a uniform to protect and serve us all.”
Adams said, “I am praying for his wife, children, parents, and loved ones. I cannot imagine the pain they’re going through. When NYPD members go to work every day, their families pray a day like this never happens. We will be with them every step of the way.”
The mayor expressed sorrow for the person who is still in critical condition and acknowledged the deaths of the other three fatalities. He emphasised that the victims and their loved ones are still in the city’s thoughts and called the incident a terrible and random act of violence.
“The entire event is still under investigation, and we’re working with our partners at the FBI. We’re carefully searching the office building, however, we believe the incident is over, and the shooter was acting alone. He is now dead, and New Yorkers have nothing further to fear,” Adams declared.
The late officer was his parents’ sole son, the mayor revealed during a Monday night meeting with Islam’s family. According to him, every individual he talked to characterised Islam as a man of faith, someone who believed in God and was dedicated to leading a life that was governed by those principles.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul also spoke out, “We mourn four New Yorkers, including one of New York’s Finest, taken in a senseless act of violence. Our hearts are with their loved ones and everyone affected by this tragedy.”
Investigators are still working to determine the shooter’s motivation. A source with knowledge of the investigation claims that a suicide note outlining his complaints to the National Football League was discovered in his pocket.
According to Tamura’s suicide note, he also had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a neurological disorder linked to repetitive head injuries. He also asked that his brain be examined in the note.
