Blackstone has confirmed that one of its senior executives, Wesley LePatner, was among the four people killed in the tragic mass shooting at the firm’s Park Avenue office building in New York City on July 28.
In a statement shared with PEOPLE, the global investment firm mourned the loss of LePatner, describing her as a “brilliant, passionate, warm, generous” leader who was deeply respected both within Blackstone and across the industry.
“Words cannot express the devastation we feel,” the company said. “Wesley was a beloved member of the Blackstone family and will be sorely missed. She embodied the best of Blackstone. Our prayers are with her husband, children, and family.”
The shooting, which took place in the building lobby, claimed three other lives, including off-duty NYPD officer Didarul Islam and a member of the security team. Several others were injured. According to The Wall Street Journal, LePatner was in the lobby when she was fatally shot. Other Blackstone employees are reportedly being treated at local hospitals.
In the moments after shots rang out, employees used email and Microsoft Teams to alert one another and seek safety.
LePatner held two major leadership roles at Blackstone: she was the Global Head of Core+ Real Estate and CEO of Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust (BREIT). A Yale University graduate, she had been with the firm since 2014 and was widely regarded as a trailblazer in the investment space.
In February 2025, she was appointed an Elective Trustee of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where her leadership was expected to help further the institution’s mission. “Wesley’s deep expertise and knowledge will be an invaluable addition to the Board,” board co-chairs Candace K. Beinecke and Hamilton “Tony” E. James said at the time of her appointment.
LePatner was also a mother of two and a leading advocate for diversity and inclusion in finance. As chair of Blackstone’s Women’s Initiative, she was a vocal champion for equity in the workplace.
Speaking to Leaders Magazine, she emphasized the importance of inclusive leadership: “As investors, our mission is to see around corners and recognize patterns. Having the most diverse perspectives around the table is critical. But it’s not just about getting people there, it’s about making sure they have a voice.”
She credited her early career development to managers who encouraged her to speak up, share ideas, and grow through feedback. “That support made a huge difference in my professional journey,” she said.
The suspected gunman, identified by police as 44-year-old Shane Devon Tamura of Las Vegas, opened fire in the building’s lobby with an M4 rifle before taking the elevator to the 33rd floor, where he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch. Authorities later confirmed that Tamura had a documented history of mental illness, per NBC News.
The building, which also houses the National Football League’s offices, was placed on lockdown during the incident. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed in a staff memo that an NFL employee was “seriously injured” in the shooting and remains hospitalized in stable condition.
“Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and everyone impacted by this senseless act of violence,” Goodell wrote. “NFL staff are at the hospital and we are supporting his family.”
As the investigation continues, tributes continue to pour in for LePatner, a respected executive, dedicated mother, and tireless advocate for change whose legacy, colleagues say, will not be forgotten.