A lone gunman opened fire Monday evening (July 28) inside a high-rise office tower in Midtown Manhattan, killing four people (among them a New York City police officer) and injuring another, according to law enforcement officials.
Authorities confirmed that the suspected shooter died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The attack, which began around 6:30PM, triggered an active shooter response. Crowds of office workers were seen evacuating the building with hands raised as emergency teams secured the scene.
Officials told NBC News that a note left at the scene suggested the gunman expressed frustration about his mental health issues, speculating they may have stemmed from CTE from playing football.
Investigators are now examining whether this belief influenced his decision to target 345 Park Avenue, a building that houses the NFL’s headquarters.
The investigation remains in its early stages.
The VictimsAmong the dead is NYPD Officer Didarul Islam, 36, a father of two with a third child on the way. Islam, who immigrated from Bangladesh, served the 47th Precinct in the Bronx and had been with the force for three and a half years, CNN reports.
“He was doing what he was trained to do, protecting lives,” said Mayor Eric Adams. “He made the ultimate sacrifice.”
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch echoed that sentiment, calling Islam a hero. “He put himself in harm’s way,” she said. “He was shot in cold blood while wearing a uniform that stood for the promise he made to this city.”
Three civilians also died in the attack. Their names have not yet been released. One additional person was seriously wounded.
The NFL confirmed that one of its employees was among the injured. “He is currently in the hospital and in stable condition,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a message to staff. “We believe all other employees are safe and accounted for.”
Goodell also expressed gratitude to law enforcement, adding: “We are deeply grateful to Officer Islam, who gave his life to protect others.”
The SuspectThe gunman has been identified as 27-year-old Shane Devon Tamura of Las Vegas. Surveillance images show Tamura entering the Park Avenue office tower dressed in dark clothing and sunglasses, carrying a large firearm.
Authorities recovered a note, weapon, ammunition, and Tamura’s cellphone at the scene, according to ABC News. The note reportedly referenced “CTE,” or chronic traumatic encephalopathy (a brain condition linked to repeated head injuries) as a possible source of his mental health struggles.
A former high school classmate, Caleb Clarke, described Tamura as energetic, funny, and outgoing. The two had played football together in California. “You never would’ve expected violence from him,” Clarke said, per NBC. “Shane was a jokester, always full of energy.”
Clarke added that Tamura once showed promise as an athlete, and others often praised his potential. “I think people believed he could really go far in football,” he said.
The LocationThe shooting occurred at 345 Park Avenue, a high-rise that houses major tenants including investment giant Blackstone, the NFL, KPMG, and a Bank of America branch.
Blackstone, Bank of America, and the building’s owner, Rudin Management, have not issued public statements. KPMG responded with a message of sympathy: “Our hearts go out to the victims of this horrific act and their families. We are incredibly grateful for the bravery of building security and law enforcement.”
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine the full scope and motive behind the attack.