Gary Martin

Mass Murderer

Gary Martin and the 2019 Henry Pratt Company Massacre

Overview

Gary Montez Martin was responsible for a deadly workplace shooting at the Henry Pratt Company in Aurora, Illinois, on February 15, 2019. Martin, a 45-year-old longtime employee, opened fire after being informed that his employment was being terminated. He murdered five people, wounded a fellow employee and exchanged gunfire with responding police officers, injuring five officers before he was killed. The attack occurred at the Henry Pratt Company facility at 641 Archer Avenue in Aurora, approximately 40 miles west of Chicago. Henry Pratt manufactured industrial valves and operated under its parent company, Mueller Water Products. Martin had worked at the facility for approximately 15 years as a machine operator.

Employment Problems and Termination Meeting

Martin had accumulated disciplinary problems at the plant before the shooting. On February 15, 2019, company representatives summoned him to a meeting and informed him that he was being terminated for workplace-rule violations. Human resources personnel and plant managers were present, along with a human resources intern who was attending his first day at the company. Martin had brought a Smith & Wesson M&P .40-caliber semiautomatic pistol into the building. The handgun was equipped with a green laser sight. Investigators determined that he was carrying the weapon when he entered the termination meeting, indicating that he had prepared for the possibility of violence before learning the final outcome of the meeting. After he was told that he had been fired, Martin began shooting at the people inside the meeting area. The confined workplace setting gave the victims little opportunity to escape. Several of those killed were directly involved in the termination process, while others were employees who encountered Martin as the attack continued through the building.

The Shooting on February 15, 2019

The first emergency calls reporting gunfire were received at approximately 1:24 p.m. Central Standard Time. Witnesses described employees fleeing from the building while others hid in offices, work areas and storage spaces. The first Aurora police officers reached the facility within several minutes. Martin moved through portions of the plant while armed. A surviving employee was shot and wounded. When officers entered the complex, Martin fired at them, striking several officers during separate encounters inside and near the building. Other officers were forced to move through the large industrial structure while attempting to locate him and evacuate injured employees. The police response developed into a prolonged search and gun battle. Martin used machinery, walls and other parts of the industrial facility for concealment. Numerous agencies assisted Aurora police, including neighboring police departments, fire and emergency medical personnel and federal authorities. Five Aurora police officers suffered gunshot wounds, and another officer sustained a non-gunfire injury while responding. Despite their injuries, officers continued directing other personnel toward Martin's location and helping trapped employees leave the building. At approximately 2:59 p.m., members of a police tactical team located Martin in the rear portion of the facility. Martin fired at the officers, and they returned fire. He was struck multiple times and died at the scene. The confrontation ended approximately 95 minutes after the first emergency call. ...

Confirmed Victims: (5)

Russell Beyer 47 yr old Male

Henry Pratt Company Gunman Gary Martin Threatened 'I'm Going ...