PRESS BRIEFING ON DEATH OF SECURITY OFFICER

A senior officer of the United Nations Safety and Security Service was found dead this morning in the Organization’s third floor express lounge with a gunshot wound to the head, United Nations Security Chief Michael McCann told correspondents at Headquarters this afternoon.

The 41-year old guard, Michael Halton, a 16-year veteran of the Security Service, was found shortly before noon sitting in a chair in the lounge with his weapon next to his leg, Mr. McCann said.  The New York Police Department was currently investigating whether the gun had been fired and the cause of death.  The United States Mission and the Federal Bureau of Investigation had also been notified.

Responding to questions from correspondents, Mr. McCann said no witnesses to the shooting, either by sight or sound, had been found, and no cameras were situated in the area.  Mr. Halton had begun work at 8:45 a.m., taken a scheduled break at 10 a.m., and was expected back at his post at the entrance to the conference building at 11 a.m.

A United States citizen from Sayville, Long Island, Mr. Halton was married with two children.  Mr. McCann expressed his heartfelt condolences to Mr. Halton’s family.

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