Thomas Mcilvane

Mass Murderer

Thomas McIlvane and the 1991 Royal Oak Post Office Shooting

Background

Thomas Paul McIlvane was a 31-year-old former United States Postal Service letter carrier who carried out a deadly workplace shooting at the Royal Oak Post Office in Royal Oak, Michigan. On November 14, 1991, McIlvane entered the facility with a semiautomatic rifle and opened fire on former supervisors and other postal employees. Four workers were killed, several others were wounded or injured, and McIlvane fatally shot himself. McIlvane had previously served in the United States Marine Corps and had also participated in kickboxing. His military service ended with a general discharge after a series of disciplinary problems. After leaving the military, he obtained employment as a letter carrier in Royal Oak. People who knew him said that he initially appreciated the independence of delivering mail because it allowed him to work outdoors without constant supervision. His relationship with postal management deteriorated over time. McIlvane became involved in disputes with supervisors and was disciplined for incidents involving his conduct toward managers and members of the public. On July 31, 1990, the Postal Service dismissed him for insubordination after he telephoned a supervisor and used abusive language.

Threats and Failed Attempts to Regain His Job

McIlvane strongly contested his dismissal. He filed a grievance through his union and sought reinstatement through the Postal Service arbitration process. During the months following his termination, he allegedly made repeated threats against supervisors and others associated with his firing. One former supervisor attempted to have McIlvane prosecuted after reporting that McIlvane had threatened him. McIlvane was tried on the accusation but was acquitted by a jury in early 1991. Nevertheless, his threats became widely known among Royal Oak postal employees. His permit to carry a concealed firearm was revoked, and some workers reportedly discussed escape routes in case he returned to the building. McIlvane's arbitration hearing was conducted in October 1991. During the proceedings, he reportedly warned a union official that if he did not receive his job back, he would make the deadly 1986 Edmond, Oklahoma, post office shooting look insignificant by comparison. Despite the seriousness of the alleged statement, no permanent security detail was assigned to the Royal Oak facility. On November 13, 1991, McIlvane learned that the arbitrator had ruled against him and that he would not be reinstated. He reportedly left a threatening telephone message for one of the supervisors involved in the dispute. Postal employees and union officials requested additional protection, but the shooting occurred before meaningful security measures were put in place.

The Royal Oak Post Office Attack

At approximately 8:45 a.m. on Thursday, November 14, 1991, McIlvane arrived at the Royal Oak Post Office at 200 West Second Street. He entered through an open loading-dock door at the rear of the building. He was armed with a .22-caliber Ruger 10/22 semiautomatic carbine that had been altered by shortening or removing part of its stock. McIlvane moved through the workplace and began firing at employees. The attack created panic throughout the building as workers ran for exits, hid beneath desks, or attempted to escape through windows. Some employees had previously prepared themselves for the possibility that McIlvane might return, but the speed of the shooting left little time to react. Four postal employees were fatally shot. Several others suffered gunshot wounds, while additional workers were injured as they fled or sought cover. McIlvane then shot himself in the head. He remained alive for several hours and died from the wound on November 15, 1991. ...

Confirmed Victims: (4)

Mary Ellen Benincasa 32 yr old Female

Royal Oak post office shooting - Wikipedia