AURORA, IL — Aurora police released the names of the five deceased victims in Friday’s workplace shooting at a valve manufacturing plant on the city’s west side, as well as updates on the condition of the six officers who were injured. Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman also expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support for the community and the police department.
“We feel the support from all of you, and my cup runneth over,” Ziman said.
Ziman identified the dead as:
A sixth male employee was treated for non-life-threatening gunshot wounds, Ziman said.
Oswego Village President Gail Johnson issued a statement early Saturday afternoon expressing her condolences.
“This tragedy has not just hit close to home – it has left all of Oswego grieving alongside our neighbors,” she said. “Our thoughts are with the victims, and our condolences go out to our Oswego families, as well as to all the families who will be forever changed by yesterday’s events. Know that our support is with you.”
Johnson also expressed gratitude to the first responders and wounded police officers, and said help will be available for those affected by the tragedy:
Many wounds are unseen – for those physically injured, those who witnessed tragedy unfold, those who lost loved ones, and those first responders who rushed toward danger to help. When a brutal act of violence strikes so close, the sudden terror and its lasting ripple effects can affect everyone throughout an entire community. If you or a loved one is feeling distressed in this moment or anytime after, we encourage you to talk to someone who can help. Assistance is available through your medical professional and through the Kendall County Health Department. In our darkest moments, we remain committed to continually promoting the safety, health and wellness of every person in order to help our community heal.
The shooting took place at Henry Pratt Company’s manufacturing and warehouse building, located at 641 Archer Ave.
Police also gave an update on the five officers who suffered gunshot wounds, as well as a sixth officer who sustained a knee injury.
“All five are recovering and are under the care of physicians in the Chicago metro area,” Ziman said, giving these details:
All injuries are non-life-threatening, police said.
Shooter had history of violence
Ziman said the gunman, 45-year-old Gary Martin of the 1900 block of Selmarten Road in Aurora, should not have had a weapon after his FOID card was revoked in March 2014. The revocation was prompted after Martin applied for a concealed carry permit and submitted fingerprints, at which point authorities discovered he had a felony aggravated assault conviction for a 1995 stabbing in Mississippi.
Ziman said Martin, who worked for Henry Pratt for 15 years, had six prior arrests in Aurora, including incidents related to traffic violations and domestic violence. His last arrest in Aurora was in 2008 for violating an order of protection. His most recent arrest was in Oswego in 2017 for disorderly conduct and criminal damage to property, police said.
Asked whether the mass shooting had political implications, Ziman replied, “It’s hard to bring politics into it, it’s a violent act. The fact remains that some disgruntled person walked in with a firearm he shouldn’t have had access to.”
Ziman said Martin was reporting to work for a meeting at which he was fired. “My understanding from the witnesses is that he opened fire right at the termination meeting,” she said. “We believe that several people who were involved in that meeting are the ones who are deceased.”
Martin was armed with a .40 caliber Smith & Wesson handgun equipped with a laser, police said.
Ziman said Martin’s felony conviction likely did not show up on his background check when he applied for a FOID card, but when the card was revoked he would have received a letter stating he needed to relinquish any firearms to police.
“Absolutely he was not supposed to be in possession of a firearm,” Ziman said.
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Watch the Aurora Police Department press conference from Saturday morning.
Shooting timeline
Aurora police also gave a timeline of the shooting, from the moment an employee called 911 until Martin was killed by police gunfire.
Police said the shooter was located in the back of the facility in a machine shop, where he was likely waiting for officers. Police described their contact with Martin as a “very short gunfight.”
Aurora police said Henry Pratt Company announced plans to host a press conference Saturday afternoon at the police department, but said authorities are not part of that press conference.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Lead image by Bev Horne/Daily Herald via AP