News Summary
A tragic shooting in Midtown Manhattan claimed four lives, including that of an NYPD officer. The shooter, armed with an assault rifle and handguns, expressed grievances against the NFL related to brain injuries. Investigators revealed a history of mental illness and concerns over gun permits. This incident has raised discussions on mental health, gun laws, and player safety in sports.
New York City – Gunman Targets NFL in Deadly Midtown Shooting
A tragic shooting incident in Midtown Manhattan on Monday resulted in the deaths of four individuals, including an NYPD officer. The assailant, identified as Shane Tamura, 27, carried a suicide note that indicated he specifically targeted the NFL’s headquarters due to a belief that he suffered from a football-related brain injury known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
The shooting occurred around 6:30 p.m. at 345 Park Avenue, where Tamura entered the building armed with a homemade AR-15 assault rifle and a legally purchased Colt Python .357-caliber handgun. According to reports, Tamura aimed to reach the NFL’s offices on the upper floors but became confused due to using the wrong elevator bank. In total, he shot and killed NYPD Officer Didarul Islam, Blackstone executive Wesley LePatner, security guard Aland Etienne, and Rudin employee Julia Hyman before taking his own life.
In his three-page suicide note, discovered in his wallet, Tamura expressed frustrations regarding the NFL, accusing the league of concealing the dangers of brain injuries for profit. His letter referenced Terry Long, a former NFL player who died by suicide after being diagnosed with CTE, as well as the documentary “League of Denial,” which scrutinized the NFL’s approach to player safety and brain injuries. Tamura also named prominent researchers associated with CTE studies, including Dr. Ann McKee and Dr. Bennet Omalu.
Background of the Shooter
Investigators uncovered that Tamura had a history of mental illness and had previously self-reported suicidal thoughts. A second note found in his Las Vegas apartment reflected disappointment towards his parents. Prior to the shooting, he had driven across the country in a BMW, with reported sightings in states such as Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, and New Jersey. He was scheduled to work a night shift at a casino in Las Vegas but failed to show up the night of the incident.
Gun Permits and Weapons
Tamura’s application for a gun permit was approved in April 2022, despite his declaration of suicidal thoughts. He held a valid concealed carry permit in Nevada and was known to have purchased large quantities of ammunition. The circumstances surrounding the acquisition of his weapons are now part of the ongoing investigation by the FBI and the NYPD, which includes reviewing surveillance footage of the incident.
Aftermath and Investigation
The violent event led to a significant police response and prompted heightened security measures at the NFL offices. The medical examiner has indicated that Tamura’s brain may undergo examination to identify any potential CTE condition, following the tragic events and considering Tamura’s belief regarding his mental health state. As investigations continue, authorities are examining the implications surrounding mental health, gun laws, and the NFL’s handling of player safety.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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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 CLEVELAND WRITER
CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HERECleveland.com, your premier source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with in-depth coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—backed by years of expert reporting and robust community input, including local press releases and business updates, while providing top reporting on high-profile events like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions, Cleveland International Film Festival, and holiday parades, alongside key organizations such as the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Orchestra, and Great Lakes Science Center, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare like Sherwin-Williams and University Hospitals, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREDayton.com, offering comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's vibrant landscape. HERE Cleveland HERE Dayton
