GATES, N.Y. — Authorities have identified the victim in Thursday’s fatal shooting at the Amazon fulfillment center in Gates as 24-year-old Markis Ortiz-Harris, a resident of Rochester. According to the Gates Police Department, Ortiz-Harris was fatally shot while sitting in his vehicle outside the facility, waiting for his shift to begin.
The tragic incident unfolded in the early hours of Thursday, drawing a heavy police and emergency response to the area. News10NBC’s Declan Stablow, reporting from the scene, spoke with local residents who expressed shock and concern over the violence.
One witness, Charles Parsons, described the large police presence and the visible disruption to the facility’s normal operations. “I saw several police pull into the Amazon facility. I also heard sirens, seeing other EMS responders turn into the Amazon facility,” Parsons said. “For several hours, they were staging employees in a field across the street from Amazon and they weren’t allowed into the facility, so that’s how I knew it was something serious.”
While the Gates Police have emphasized that the shooting appears to be a targeted act, they confirmed that the suspect is still at large. There is no indication that the shooter was affiliated with or employed by Amazon.
Amazon later clarified that while employees at the scene did not speak with media outlets, doing so is not restricted by company policy. The facility has since resumed operations, though the incident has left employees and community members understandably shaken.
“This kind of violence is deeply troubling,” Parsons added. “I just hope people would stop resorting to gun violence as a way to resolve their issues. There are more civil ways to act. This isn’t the Wild Wild West.”
Law enforcement officials are continuing their investigation and are urging anyone with information to come forward. The identity of the suspect has not yet been released, and no arrests have been made.
As the investigation continues, the death of Markis Ortiz-Harris has sparked renewed concerns about safety in and around workplaces, and the devastating impact of gun violence on communities. The thoughts of many are with his family, friends, and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time.
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