Aurora, IL mass shooting - gunman kills 5 after being told he was fired
Metal detectors need to be a priority in workplace safety
On February 15, 2019, Gary Martin shot and killed five of his colleagues, injuring six people, including five police officers, at the Henry Pratt Company in Aurora, Illinois. After learning he was fired, the gunman brought a pistol, which he didn’t legally own, to his termination meeting where he opened fire at the manufacturing company he worked for 15 years. Several people involved in the termination meeting are the deceased. Martin, 45, was killed in a shootout with the police.
The weapon
In January 2014, Martin obtained his firearm owner’s identification card, and two months later bought a Smith & Wesson .40-caliber handgun. Martin applied for his conceal and carry permit in 2014 but upon a background check, he was flagged for a 1995 aggravated assault case, and the permit was denied. His firearm license was also revoked by the Illinois State Police. Additionally,
Martin had six prior arrests by Aurora police, including for domestic violence-related issues
Since his FOID card was revoked, it’s still under investigation how Martin was in possession with the illegal gun used in the shooting.
Why metal detectors must become a safety standard
The magnitude of loss from these victims’ lives is indescribable. You should be able to go to work without wondering if you’ll be shot - that’s why workplace safety needs to be a priority.
Having metal detectors in and around businesses, schools, hospitals, and other public arenas would deter prospects from bringing guns into these settings while giving authorities a chance to work proactively against threats.
The scene
Eight SWAT teams and 25 -35 agencies responded, with 200 to 300 police officers at the scene.
According to police, here the timeline of the incident:
- 1:24 p.m.: The incident was called in; officers dispatched to an active shooter call.
- 1:24 p.m.: Another caller said shots were being fired after an employee was terminated.
- 1:28 p.m.: First officers responded to the scene.
- 1:28 p.m.: A determination was made to activate the special response team.
- 1:30 p.m.: A first report was made of an officer being shot.
- 1:31 p.m.: It was indicated that there were four victims upstairs and a victim in the bay area. All victims were determined to be deceased at that time.
- 1:32 p.m.: More shots were fired, and a second officer was reported being shot.
- 1:34 p.m.: A third officer was reported shot.
- 1:35 p.m.: A fourth officer was reported shot.
- 1:37-1:52 p.m.: Personnel was responding to extract some of the employees and victims inside the building.
- 1:52 until 2:58 p.m.: No contact was made with the offender.
- 2:58 p.m.: Officers indicated contact was made and confirmation was made that Martin was killed.
About Yates Enterprises
At Yates Enterprises, we proudly deliver the highest quality and safest solutions. Our hand-held and walk-through metal detectors have endless security applications, from schools and public events to bars, sporting events, and government offices. Not only do we supply the most reliable equipment, but we install and fully train you on the devices.

