Manhattan’s Office Security Proves Strong, Yet Not Foolproof in Deadly Park Avenue Attack

A tragic irony lies at the center of the deadly shooting at a Manhattan office on Park Avenue: the building, located at 345 Park Avenue, was comparatively well-equipped to handle violent incidents.

The premises were staffed with security personnel, including a police officer and at least one security guard stationed in the lobby. Access was controlled by turnstiles requiring badge scans, and numerous occupants promptly barricaded themselves inside once the threat became apparent.

According to security expert Glen Kucera of Allied Universal, which services many major firms, while the incident remains deeply tragic, the presence of these security protocols likely prevented greater loss of life.

Kucera noted that although enhanced security measures might have stopped the attacker, it is extremely difficult to completely thwart an assailant determined to inflict harm and prepared to die. The gunman parked his vehicle in a double-parked position near the building before opening fire inside, killing four people before taking his own life.

Building security specialists point out that most major office buildings in New York City have security features similar to those at the Park Avenue location. The pressing question following this incident is not so much whether Manhattan buildings will boost their security further, but whether other cities might adopt comparable measures to enhance their own workplace safety.

Mark Ein, executive chairman of Kastle Systems, a security firm serving clients nationwide, emphasized that New York is unique in that almost all high-end buildings have turnstile access, a feature not commonly found in other urban centers.