News Summary
A tragic shooting in Midtown Manhattan resulted in four fatalities, including an NYPD officer. The shooter, armed with multiple firearms, targeted the NFL headquarters. Eyewitness accounts reveal a chaotic scene as police responded to the unfolding violence. The assailant’s motive reportedly ties back to anxieties over football-related brain injuries, as suggested in a suicide note recovered at the scene. An investigation is ongoing, focusing on the shooter’s background and mental health struggles.
New York City: Gunman Shane Tamura Kills Four in Midtown Manhattan Shooting Targeting NFL
In a tragic shooting incident that unfolded in Midtown Manhattan, four people, including an NYPD officer, lost their lives on Monday evening. The suspect, Shane Tamura, aged 27, opened fire at the NFL headquarters, leading to a large police response and heightened security measures in the area.
Details of the Incident
At approximately 6:30 p.m., Shane Tamura entered the building located at 345 Park Avenue armed with a homemade AR-15 assault rifle and a legally purchased Colt Python .357-caliber handgun. Despite attempting to reach the NFL office floors 5 through 8, he struggled with the building’s elevator layout, delaying his pursuit. During the assault, Tamura shot and killed four victims: NYPD Officer Didarul Islam, Chicago-based executive Wesley LePatner, security guard Aland Etienne, and Rudin employee Julia Hyman. A police officer responding to the scene engaged Tamura, who ended his rampage by turning the weapon on himself.
Fateful Chain of Events
Earlier in the day, Tamura was seen driving a BMW across the country, with sightings recorded in Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, and New Jersey, indicating a deliberate travel route before the attack. His last known location before the shooting was in Manhattan, where he entered the NFL headquarters. The incident prompted immediate police action, and investigative agencies are currently reviewing surveillance footage and witness statements to establish a full timeline of Tamura’s movements.
Suicide Notes and Motive
Investigators recovered a three-page suicide note from Tamura’s wallet, in which he explicitly targeted the NFL. The note expressed strong accusations against the organization, claiming it concealed the dangers of brain injuries linked to football for profit. Tamura believed he suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain condition associated with repeated blows to the head often experienced by football players.
The note made references to former NFL player Terry Long, who died by suicide following a CTE diagnosis, and mentioned the documentary “League of Denial,” which explores the NFL’s handling of head injuries. Tamura cited prominent CTE researchers including Dr. Ann McKee and Dr. Bennet Omalu, suggesting his belief that his own mental health issues were related to football-related brain trauma.
Background of the Gunman
Born and raised in California, Tamura played high school football but did not sustain significant head injuries during his athletic career. After high school, he moved to Las Vegas, where he developed a documented history of mental health struggles, including suicidal thoughts. Despite this history, Tamura was able to obtain a firearm permit in Nevada in April 2022, a permit that was approved even after he reported suicidal ideation.
He legally purchased weapons and large quantities of ammunition, and his Nevada concealed carry permit was valid at the time of the incident. Tamura had also failed to report for his scheduled overnight shift at a casino the night of the shooting, raising questions about his mental state leading up to the event.
Legal and Investigation Developments
The medical examiner will determine if Tamura’s brain will be studied post-mortem for signs of CTE, aligning with his expressed beliefs about the condition’s role in his mental health. The FBI and NYPD are conducting comprehensive investigations, including reviewing Tamura’s online activity, contacts, and physical evidence from the scene.
His second note, found in his Las Vegas apartment, expressed disappointment and frustration toward his parents, indicating personal struggles beyond the alleged motives related to football injuries.
Implications and Security Response
Following the shooting, authorities increased security at NFL offices and nearby areas to prevent further incidents. The event has prompted renewed discussion on firearm access, mental health care, and athlete injury awareness. Law enforcement officials continue to assess Tamura’s motivations and background to better understand the circumstances that led to this deadly act.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Midtown Manhattan Shooting Claims Four Lives
Support for Mayor Eric Adams Grows Among NYC Business Leaders
Additional Resources
- ABC7 NY
- The New York Times
- The Wall Street Journal
- CBS News
- ESPN
- Wikipedia: Chronic traumatic encephalopathy
- Google Search: NFL CTE
- Google Scholar: Chronic traumatic encephalopathy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Concussion
- Google News: NYC shooting
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
