What Is 2012 Empire State Building shooting

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2012 Empire State Building shooting occurred on August 24, 2012, when 58-year-old former employee Richard Rojas fatally shot his former coworker, 56-year-old Brian Thompson, in a dispute over job termination. The incident took place on the 86th-floor observation deck and resulted in no other fatalities, though several people were injured during the ensuing chaos.

Key Facts

Shooting occurred on August 24, 2012, at approximately 10:30 AM
Perpetrator Richard Rojas was 58 years old and a former Empire State Building employee
Victim Brian Thompson, 56, was fatally shot on the 86th-floor observation deck
No other fatalities occurred, but 9 people sustained minor injuries during the panic
Rojas was apprehended at the scene by NYPD officers and later sentenced to 25 years to life

Overview

The 2012 Empire State Building shooting was a targeted workplace violence incident that shocked New York City and reignited conversations about gun control and public safety in high-profile tourist locations. It unfolded on the morning of August 24, 2012, when a disgruntled former employee returned to the iconic skyscraper with a concealed firearm.

The event, though brief, caused mass panic among tourists and staff, leading to stampedes and injuries unrelated to gunfire. Despite the chaos, law enforcement responded swiftly, containing the threat within minutes and preventing further loss of life.

August 24, 2012: The shooting occurred at approximately 10:30 AM on the 86th-floor observation deck, a popular tourist destination with over 4 million annual visitors.
Richard Rojas: A 58-year-old man who had been fired from his job at the Empire State Building months earlier, allegedly over performance issues and workplace disputes.
Victim Brian Thompson: A 56-year-old maintenance worker and longtime colleague of Rojas, who was shot multiple times at close range in a targeted attack.
Gun used: A .45-caliber handgun, legally purchased in Pennsylvania but carried illegally into New York, which has stricter gun laws.
Law enforcement response: NYPD officers arrived within three minutes and took Rojas into custody without further incident, highlighting effective emergency protocols.

Timeline and Events

The sequence of events on the day of the shooting followed a rapid and tragic pattern, beginning with Rojas entering the building undetected despite security screenings. His actions suggest premeditation, as he bypassed multiple checkpoints to reach the observation deck.

10:28 AM: Security footage shows Rojas entering the Empire State Building through the 34th Street entrance, carrying a bag containing the concealed firearm.
10:30 AM: Rojas confronted Thompson near the north side of the 86th-floor observation deck and opened fire, discharging four rounds.
Immediate aftermath: Screams and panic caused a stampede; nine people sustained minor injuries from falls and trampling while fleeing the area.
10:32 AM: NYPD officers arrived on the 86th floor and found Rojas sitting calmly; he surrendered without resistance.
Ballistics evidence: Forensic analysis confirmed all four shots came from Rojas’s .45-caliber handgun, with two striking Thompson fatally.
Legal proceedings: In 2013, Rojas was convicted of second-degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon, receiving a sentence of 25 years to life.

Comparison at a Glance

p>The following table compares the 2012 Empire State Building shooting with other notable U.S. workplace violence incidents in terms of fatalities, location, and legal outcomes.

Incident	Date	Location	Fatalities	Perpetrator Outcome
Empire State Building shooting	August 24, 2012	New York, NY	1	25 years to life
Hartford Lottery Office shooting	March 29, 2000	Hartford, CT	8	Life without parole
Edgewater Technology shooting	December 26, 2000	Wakefield, MA	7	Life without parole
Navistar Plant shooting	April 19, 2008	Melrose Park, IL	1	Life sentence
Henry Pratt Company shooting	September 6, 2019	Aurora, IL	6	Killed by police

While the 2012 shooting resulted in fewer casualties than other workplace attacks, its location in a globally recognized landmark heightened media attention and public concern. Unlike mass shootings with higher death tolls, this case was a targeted act of revenge, emphasizing the risks of unresolved workplace conflicts.

Why It Matters

The 2012 Empire State Building shooting remains significant for its implications on security policy, mental health awareness, and gun regulation enforcement. Although isolated, it exposed vulnerabilities in screening procedures at high-traffic public sites and prompted reviews of employee termination protocols.

Security upgrades: Following the incident, the Empire State Building enhanced metal detection and bag-check procedures for visitors and staff.
Workplace violence policies: Employers nationwide reevaluated early warning signs and implemented threat assessment teams.
Mental health screening: The case highlighted the need for better mental health support for employees facing job loss or personal crises.
Gun trafficking: Rojas’s use of a legally purchased out-of-state firearm reignited debates on interstate gun control loopholes.
Public panic response: The non-fatal injuries underscored the importance of crowd management during emergencies.
Legal precedent: The conviction reinforced New York’s strict penalties for illegal firearm possession and use in violent crimes.

This incident serves as a cautionary example of how personal grievances, when left unaddressed, can escalate into public tragedies—even in the most symbolic of American landmarks.