Twitter manager shot dead in drive-by gunfight

‘He just had such fierce empathy for so many communities’

Courtney Brousseau talking during his ted talk in 2015 ((TedXTalks YouTube))

A Twitter manager was shot dead on Friday evening, after getting caught in the crossfire of a drive-by shooting.

Courtney Brousseau, a 22-year-old associate project manager at Twitter, was walking through Dolores Park, in San Francisco, when he was killed.

As he walked through the park, two men got out of their car and opened fire, before driving away, KTVU reported.

According to The San Francisco Chronicle, between 50 and 60 shots were fired by the two men, during the incident.

An 18-year-old was also caught in the crossfire, but did not sustain life-threatening injuries, according to The Chronicle.

Brent Andrew, the San Francisco General Hospital spokesman, told the outlet that Mr Brousseau was on life support until Sunday, but died at 7pm on Monday.

Mr Brousseau’s friend and Twitter colleague, Savannah Badalich, told The Chronicle that he was trying to make technology more inclusive.

“He just had such fierce empathy for so many communities,” Ms Badalich said. “He wanted to make a difference, and he did.”

The New York Post reported that Mr Brousseau, who previously interned for Massachusetts senator Elizabeth Warren, helped people in March, by offering financial support to those in need during the coronavirus pandemic.

“I spent a lot of $ on LEGO last night for my own mental health,” he tweeted in March. “Now I want to help other folks who might be struggling due to Covid-19.”

“If you know someone who needs help, an organisation that is helping, or a donation you want me to match, reply w/ info. I’ll donate up to $400.”

At the time of writing, no arrests have been made into the shooting, according to San Francisco police spokesperson Officer Robert Rueca.

“This active and ongoing homicide investigation is looking into all aspects,” he said, and added that at this stage officers “are not confirming or ruling anything out.”

A Twitter spokesperson said that the organisation is “heartbroken to confirm the passing of a Twitter employee involved in a shooting last week.”

“Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and teammates at this difficult time.”