News Summary
A tragic shooting in Midtown Manhattan resulted in four deaths, including an NYPD officer, as the gunman targeted the NFL’s headquarters. The assailant, Shane Tamura, took his own life and left behind a note expressing grievances against the NFL concerning player safety. This incident has reignited discussions on mental health awareness and gun control in the United States, prompting calls for action from community leaders and authorities.
New York City – A tragic shooting in Midtown Manhattan on Monday left four people dead, including an NYPD officer, as a gunman identified as Shane Tamura carried out an attack targeting the NFL’s headquarters. Tamura, 27, took his own life after the rampage, which raised serious concerns about mental health issues and gun control in the United States.
According to investigators, Tamura entered the NFL’s building at 345 Park Avenue around 6:30 p.m. armed with both a homemade AR-15 assault rifle and a legally purchased Colt Python .357-caliber handgun. He left behind a suicide note revealing his grievances against the NFL, claiming that the organization concealed the dangers of brain injuries from players for profit. The note also expressed Tamura’s belief that he was suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma.
Among the victims were NYPD Officer Didarul Islam, Blackstone executive Wesley LePatner, security guard Aland Etienne, and Rudin employee Julia Hyman. The attack prompted a swift emergency response from local law enforcement and has led to heightened security measures at the NFL offices.
Evidence collected from Tamura included a three-page suicide note found in his wallet and a second note from his Las Vegas apartment expressing disappointment towards his parents. Before the shooting, Tamura reportedly drove a BMW across several states, with confirmed sightings in Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, and New Jersey. He had a documented history of mental illness and had self-reported suicidal thoughts.
The New York City medical examiner is expected to determine whether to study Tamura’s brain for CTE after his death. The investigation into the shooting is being conducted by both the FBI and NYPD, including a review of surveillance footage from the scene.
Despite having declared suicidal thoughts on his gun permit application in April 2022, Tamura was approved for a concealed carry permit in Nevada. He had purchased significant quantities of ammunition prior to the shooting. Reports indicate that he failed to show up for his scheduled shift at a casino on the night of the attack.
Tamura had played high school football in California but did not experience any documented serious head injuries. His note referenced former NFL player Terry Long, who took his own life after being diagnosed with CTE, as well as the documentary “League of Denial,” which critiques the NFL’s handling of brain injury risks. He also cited researchers Dr. Ann McKee and Dr. Bennet Omalu, both renowned for their work on CTE.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos, as people tried to flee the area during the shooting. Reports indicated that Tamura struggled to reach the NFL offices on the upper floors of the building during the attack, having initially used the wrong elevator bank.
The shooting has reignited discussions surrounding mental health support and gun ownership regulations, particularly for individuals with documented mental health issues. Authorities urge for careful examination of firearms laws to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
This devastating incident has left a profound impact on the city, and the victims’ families are mourning their losses while the investigation continues. Community leaders are calling for action in response to this shocking event, as discussions about mental health, gun control, and athlete safety remain at the forefront of public consciousness.
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HERE Resources
Tragic Shooting Incident in Midtown Manhattan
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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 MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee 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 Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
