Accent Signage Preps For 1-Year Since Tragic Mass Shooting

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Friends, family and co-workers of those who died in a mass shooting at a Minneapolis business last September are quietly preparing for a one-year anniversary of the tragedy.

Friday, Sept. 27, will mark one year since Andrew Engeldinger opened fire at Accent Signage in Minneapolis shortly after being fired from the company. Engeldinger shot and killed five people at the business on the day of the incident before heading to the basement and taking his own life.

About two weeks later, a sixth victim died after being taken off life support at Hennepin County Medical Center. That was Production Manager Eric Rivers.

Among the others killed was the company's owner, Reuven Rahamim. Engeldinger also fatally shot employee Jacob Beneke in the sign display area, while employee Ron Edberg and UPS driver Keith Basinski were both shot dead in the loading dock.

Engeldinger also shot and killed his two managers, John Souter and Rami Cooks.

Accent Signage resumed its business operations less than a month after the mass shooting, on Oct. 22, 2012. Company officials released a statement Tuesday as they prepare for the anniversary later this week, asking for privacy as they remember a day of tragedy.

"Many of our friends and co-workers tragically lost their lives. The loss has had an unimaginable impact on many families and has taken a tremendous toll on our company. Our employees have shown incredible resolve this past year, which has allowed Accent to persevere under incredibly challenging circumstances," the statement reads.

Company officials also thanked their customers, vendors and the community for their support they've gotten since the incident.