Charge: Employee who shot boss 5 times at St. Paul post office had mental health issues

A Tragic Incident in the Workplace: Unpacking the St. Paul Post Office Shooting

In a shocking and distressing incident, a U.S. Postal Service carrier allegedly shot his supervisor five times inside a post office in St. Paul. The event has left one critically injured and has sparked a deep exploration into the underlying factors that led to such a violent act. This article delves into the details of the incident, the suspect's background, and the broader implications of workplace violence.

A Desperate Cry for Help: The Suspect's Mental Health Struggles

Tewabe Semu Getachew, a 28-year-old U.S. Postal Service carrier, has been charged with second-degree attempted murder in connection with the shooting of his supervisor, Roy Varghese, 50, of Eagan. According to court records, Getachew has been coping with mental health issues, which have been a recurring theme in his past behavior.

Getachew has a history of mental health problems, and his actions on the day of the shooting suggest that these issues may have played a significant role. The attempted murder charge filed against him highlights the severity of his behavior, as he allegedly squeezed off 12 rounds from his handgun, with five of them striking Varghese in the back and elsewhere.

The Incident Unfolds: A Timeline of Events

The shooting occurred at approximately 3:30 p.m. at the U.S. Postal Service's Elway Station, located at 1715 W. 7th St. in St. Paul. Police received a report of a person shot inside the building and responded promptly. Upon arrival, officers found Varghese suffering from multiple gunshot wounds and immediately called for medical assistance. He was transported to Regions Hospital, where he is currently in stable condition, miraculously considering the severity of his injuries.

The suspect, Getachew, left the scene but was apprehended about an hour later during a traffic stop near W. 7th and Madison streets, just a mile southwest of the post office. He remains jailed in lieu of $1 million bail and is due back in court on November 5.

A Troubling History: Past Incidents and Mental Health Concerns

This incident is not the first time Getachew has been involved in a violent or threatening situation. In May 2022, he was convicted of a gross misdemeanor for threatening to have someone kill the owner of a senior assisted-living facility in Edina where he worked as a janitor. His sentence included two years' probation and a ban from possessing a firearm during that period.

The fact that Getachew had access to a firearm despite his past convictions raises questions about the effectiveness of existing gun control laws and the need for stricter measures to prevent such incidents. Minnesota law does allow certain individuals to request an order from the court to prohibit someone from purchasing or possessing a firearm, known informally as a "red flag" law. However, it seems that these measures were not invoked in Getachew's case.

Workplace Violence: A Growing Concern

The St. Paul post office shooting is a stark reminder of the growing concern over workplace violence. Incidents like these highlight the need for employers and law enforcement agencies to be more vigilant in identifying potential threats and providing support to employees dealing with mental health issues.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 492 workplace violence incidents in the postal service sector between 2018 and 2020, resulting in 34 fatalities. This trend underscores the necessity for proactive measures such as employee training programs, mental health support services, and robust security protocols.

Community Reaction and Support

The community has rallied around Roy Varghese, wishing him a speedy recovery and expressing their shock and concern over the incident. "This is a very traumatic event for everyone involved," said a spokesperson from the U.S. Postal Service. "We are cooperating fully with law enforcement to ensure that those responsible are held accountable".

Local mental health organizations have also stepped forward to offer support to employees affected by the incident. "Incidents like this remind us of the importance of mental health support within the workplace," said a representative from a local mental health organization. "We urge employers to prioritize employee well-being and provide resources for those struggling with mental health issues".

Conclusion

The shooting at the St. Paul post office serves as a tragic reminder of the complex interplay between mental health, workplace dynamics, and gun control. As the investigation continues, it is crucial that we delve deeper into the root causes of such violent acts and implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. This includes enhancing mental health support for employees, improving workplace security, and stringent enforcement of gun control laws.

The case of Tewabe Semu Getachew underscores that even the most seemingly ordinary individuals can be driven to extreme actions by underlying mental health issues. As a society, it is our collective responsibility to address these issues proactively and ensure that workplaces are safe havens for everyone.

References

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia_Post (Australia Post History)
• https://www.yahoo.com/news/man-arrested-shooting-coworker-st-011500384.html (Man arrested in shooting of coworker at St. Paul post office)
• https://www.startribune.com/charge-employee-shot-boss-5-times-unprovoked-at-st-paul-post-office-had-mental-health-issues/601162559 (St. Paul postal worker with mental health problems shot boss in back)
• https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/st-paul-post-office-shooting/ (St. Paul postal employee allegedly shoots co-worker inside USPS facility)
• https://www.startribune.com/police-id-man-shot-by-coworker-at-post-office-in-st-paul/601161987 (Police ID man shot by coworker at St. Paul post office)