FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Statement from Tammy Dhanota, SEIU 521 Regional VP & VTA member and Riko Mendez, SEIU 521 Chief Elected Officer regarding the mass shooting at Valley Transportation Authority Guadalupe Yard on Wednesday, May 26, 2021.
“Riko, myself and our entire union family are deeply saddened and shocked by this morning’s mass shooting at the VTA Guadalupe Yardin San Jose. We can confirm that many SEIU 521 VTA members were present during the incident at the rail yard, but were very fortunate to not be among the victims. We want to share and recognize the selfless act of one of the victims shared by VTA members who were in the middle of the tragedy. Amid the chaos surrounding the incident, one of our very own SEIU 521 members was directed to lock herself in a room while this individual rendered support for others. Our member survived because of this individuals’ heroic sacrifice; his name was Paul Delacruz Megia. We honor him and all of the victims today, tomorrow and always.
We strongly condemn the use of lethal weapons for acts of violence and are calling for the safety of residents and workers by our leaders and elected officials. We humbly recognize the prompt and heroic response by the Santa Clara County Sheriff’sOffice, Santa Clara County Fire, and San Jose Police Department to the scene and are grateful for their service to our community.
The safety of our members that may be working at this light rail yard,at the Sheriff’s Office nearby, and within Santa Clara County headquarters was our top priority. SEIU Local 521 members and our leadership send our condolences to the victims and their families – they are our brothers and sisters in the labor movement, and we are here for them with our love, solidarity, and support.
There simply is no excuse for this or any form of violence towards essential workersor residents. VTA workers are calling on our residents to come together and heal one another inlight of this heinous attack. Our thoughts, love and solidarity go out to all of those who have been impacted by this tragedy. “
-Tammy Dhanota, VTA member and SEIU 521 Regional Vice President-Riko Mendez, Chief Elected Officer, SEIU 521
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