On August 20, 1986, the United States witnessed a horrific event that would forever mark its history as the deadliest workplace shooting. In Edmond, Oklahoma, a 44-year-old postal worker named Patrick Sherrill unleashed a wave of violence at his workplace, the local post office. In a span of less than fifteen minutes, Sherrill shot and killed 14 of his coworkers and injured six others before taking his own life. This tragic incident not only left
a community in shock but also contributed to the coining of the American phrase "going postal," reflecting a broader concern about workplace violence.
The Events of August 20, 1986
The morning of August 20, 1986, began like any other workday for the employees at the Edmond post office. However, it quickly turned into a scene of unimaginable horror. Patrick Sherrill, armed with three semi-automatic pistols and extra ammunition concealed in a mail bag, arrived at the facility. Upon entering, he locked the doors behind him, trapping those inside.
Shortly after 7:00 a.m., Sherrill began his rampage. His first victim was Richard Esser Jr., one of two supervisors who had verbally disciplined him the previous day. Sherrill then sought out Bill Bland, the other supervisor who had reprimanded him, but Bland had overslept and arrived late, after the shooting had concluded. Unable to find Bland, Sherrill then killed coworker Paul Michael Rockne, who was the grandson of the famous football coach Knute Rockne. He continued to target more coworkers, ultimately killing 14 people and wounding six others. At the time of the attack, approximately 100 workers were present in the facility.
The Perpetrator and His Motives
Patrick Sherrill's actions were driven by a motive of revenge, stemming from previous reprimands and a general sense of being disgruntled. He was a relief carrier, a position that often required him to work alternate routes on different days due to his rank on the seniority list. This lack of a permanently assigned route meant he did not have the same job stability as many other USPS workers. Accounts of his job performance varied, with some describing him as an erratic and irritable worker, while others claimed he performed well but was subjected to badgering by management.
On the afternoon of August 19, 1986, just one day before the shooting, supervisors Esser and Bland had reprimanded Sherrill for his behavior. Sherrill had reportedly threatened revenge twice in anger over being disciplined. These reprimands appear to have been the immediate catalyst for the tragic events that unfolded the following morning. The shooting concluded when Sherrill committed suicide by shooting himself in the forehead as police entered the facility.
Lasting Impact and Historical Context
The Edmond post office shooting remains the deadliest workplace shooting in U.S. history. It also stands as the deadliest shooting by a lone gunman in the state of Oklahoma. The incident, along with other similar acts of violence perpetrated by postal workers, significantly influenced public perception and led to the popularization of the phrase "going postal." This term became a shorthand for extreme stress or anger leading to violent outbursts in the workplace, particularly within the context of the postal service.
The tragedy highlighted the critical need for addressing workplace stress, employee grievances, and potential warning signs of violence. While the immediate aftermath focused on the immense loss of life and the shock to the community, the long-term impact included increased scrutiny of workplace environments and the psychological well-being of employees. The Edmond shooting serves as a somber reminder of the devastating consequences of unresolved workplace conflicts and the importance of mental health awareness in all professional settings.
