MILWAUKEE — An employee opened fire Feb. 26 at Molson Coors Brewing Co. in Milwaukee, killing five co-workers before taking his own life, according to an Associated Press report citing police. No one was wounded beyond those who were killed, authorities said.
Police identified the assailant as a 51-year-old Milwaukee man who died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Authorities offered no immediate motive for the attack and did not release details about the shooter or how the shooting unfolded. Police Chief Alfonso Morales said authorities believe the shooter operated alone, the report said.
The attack occurred at a complex with more than 20 buildings that includes a mix of corporate offices and brewing facilities, the report said. The facility, which employs more than 1,000 people, is home to corporate customer service, finance, human resources and engineering departments. The complex, known as Miller Valley—a reference to Miller Brewing Co., now part of Molson Coors—includes a 160-year-old brewery, with a packaging center that fills thousands of cans and bottles a minute and a distribution center the size of five football fields.
Gavin Hattersley, CEO of Molson Coors Beverage Co., Chicago, posted the following statement on social media:
“Earlier today we received news of an active shooter on our Milwaukee Brewery campus. The police have since confirmed the shooter, who was an active brewery employee, is now deceased. There is no longer an active threat and our employees are in the process of being released to go home to their families.
“Unfortunately, I am devastated to share that we lost five other members of our family in this tragic incident. The police are still working to notify their relatives, so I am unable to provide more information at this time.
“There are no words to express the deep sadness many of us are feeling right now. The most important thing is that we support and care for each other. We ask that everyone be respectful of how our colleagues in Milwaukee are feeling during this incredibly difficult time and do what you can to be supportive.
“Please hold your family members tight tonight and keep the families of our fallen teammates in your thoughts.”
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