News Summary
A gunman opened fire in Midtown Manhattan, killing four people, including an NYPD officer. The shooter, struggling with mental health issues, targeted the NFL headquarters due to grievances regarding brain injuries in football. After the attack, he took his own life. Investigations are ongoing into his motivations and the circumstances surrounding the shooting, prompting discussions on mental health and gun control.
New York City – In a tragic incident on Monday evening, a 27-year-old gunman named Shane Tamura opened fire in Midtown Manhattan, resulting in the deaths of four individuals, including an NYPD officer. The shooting took place at the NFL’s headquarters, which Tamura specifically targeted due to his belief that he had a football-related brain injury known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). After the attack, Tamura took his own life.
Tamura carried a three-page suicide note in his wallet, where he expressed his anger towards the NFL for allegedly concealing the dangers of brain injuries in football for profit. The note also referenced Terry Long, a former NFL player who died by suicide after being diagnosed with CTE, and it mentioned the documentary “League of Denial,” which examined the league’s handling of brain injuries. In addition, he named several doctors known for their research on CTE.
The shooting began around 6:30 p.m. when Tamura entered the building at 345 Park Avenue, armed with a homemade AR-15 assault rifle and a legally acquired Colt Python .357-caliber handgun. Tamura’s inexperience in navigating the building caused him to struggle to reach the NFL’s offices on the 5th to 8th floors, as he used the wrong elevator bank. The gunfire resulted in the deaths of NYPD Officer Didarul Islam and three civilians: Blackstone executive Wesley LePatner, security guard Aland Etienne, and Rudin employee Julia Hyman.
Following the incident, the medical examiner’s office will determine if Tamura’s brain will be examined for CTE. Investigators found a second note in his Las Vegas apartment expressing disappointment toward his parents and detailing his struggles. Tamura had a documented history of mental illness and had previously self-reported thoughts of suicide. Notably, his application for a gun permit in April 2022 was approved even after he disclosed these suicidal thoughts. He also held a valid concealed carry permit in Nevada and was known to have purchased significant amounts of ammunition.
In the days leading up to the shooting, Tamura had been sighted driving a BMW across several states, including Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, and New Jersey. His failure to show up for a scheduled overnight shift at a casino on the night of the shooting raised alarms. Law enforcement has since ramped up security measures at NFL offices and is conducting thorough investigations, including reviewing surveillance footage.
As authorities delve deeper into Tamura’s motivations and background, they are also examining his past experiences with football. While he played high school football in California, there were no known reports of serious head injuries during that time. Following high school, he relocated to Las Vegas where his mental health challenges persisted.
This devastating shooting has prompted discussions on mental health, gun control, and the responsibilities of sports organizations regarding the health and safety of its players. With the ongoing investigations being led by both the FBI and NYPD, more information regarding this horrific act is expected to unfold in the coming days.
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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 BALTIMORE WRITER
BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore 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 Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
