An employee at the Molson Coors Miller Valley campus in Wisconsin opened fire on Wednesday, Feb. 26 killing five people.
The 51-year-old died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound during the rampage at the 160-year-old Milwaukee brewery.
A co-worker told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that the suspected shooter had been involved in a "long-standing dispute" with other employees, citing alleged racial tension as a motive.
Law enforcement officials have stated this is an ongoing investigation, and a motive has not yet been established. This is the 45th mass shooting event in the United States in 2020, according to the Gun Violence Archive.
The victims of the mass shooting have been identified as Dale Hudson, 50; Gennady Levshetz, 61; Jesus Valle Jr., 33; Dana Walk, 57; and Trevor Wetselaar, 33. Law enforcement officials also confirmed the name and age of the gunman.
As a matter of policy, EHS Today will not announce the name of the perpetrator or mention it in future articles.
Molson Coors President and CEO Gavin Hattersley addressed the tragic incident, writing in a company-wide email, "Unfortunately, I am devastated to share that we lost five other members of our family in this tragic incident. The police are still working to notify their relatives, so I am unable to provide more information at this time. There are no words to express the deep sadness many of us are feeling right now. I am on my way to Milwaukee now because in the hours and days ahead, the most important thing is that we support and care for each other."
Hattersley also stated the Milwaukee office and brewery would remain closed to allow employees and those affected time to recover.
"We ask that everyone be respectful of how our colleagues in Milwaukee are feeling during this incredibly difficult time and do what you can to be supportive," he requested. "Our free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is also available for anyone who needs confidential support. EAP is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at [number redacted]. Please hold your family members tight tonight and keep the families of our fallen teammates in your thoughts."
Public figures and lawmakers took to social media to offer condolences and to call for legislative change.
"I'm devastated for the victims, and my heart is with their loved ones and all those affected by this tragedy," said U.S. Senator [D-Mass] Elizabeth Warren. We shouldn't have to live with this constant horror and grief. We need to act now to end the gun violence epidemic."
Former U.S. Representative Gabrielle "Gabby" Giffords, who survived an assassination attempt on Jan. 8, 2011, tweeted, "People are dead. Families are terrified. An entire community is on edge. I’m absolutely heartbroken for these Milwaukee families and coworkers. And I’m fed up this keeps happening when we know there are laws that would save lives."
At a White House news conference, President Donald Trump called the gunman a "wicked murderer" adding, "It’s a terrible thing, and our hearts go out to the people of Wisconsin."
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett reiterated the impact of workplace violence at a Wednesday evening news conference, telling reporters, “There were five individuals who went to work today, just like everybody goes to work, and they thought they were going to go to work, finish their day and return to their families. They didn’t – and tragically they never will."
Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes echoed Barrett's sentiments saying, "We’re here on the scene of another American tragedy. Another senseless American tragedy, one that shouldn’t have to happen, and unfortunately it’s in our backyard."
