New York City, USA – July 2025
A shocking act of violence unfolded in Midtown Manhattan earlier this week when a heavily armed gunman opened fire inside a high-rise office building on Park Avenue, killing four people before turning the weapon on himself. Authorities have since identified the suspect as Shane Tamura, a 27-year-old Las Vegas resident and former high school football player who allegedly blamed the National Football League (NFL) for his deteriorating mental health, claiming to suffer from CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) — a degenerative brain condition often linked to repeated head trauma in contact sports.
According to law enforcement, Tamura mistakenly entered the wrong floor of the building and opened fire on individuals unrelated to his original target. The NFL's headquarters are located in the same tower, and Tamura allegedly intended to reach them but took the wrong elevator.
A Calculated Tragedy: What Happened Inside the Tower
The shooting occurred Monday evening at a prominent commercial building along Park Avenue — one of the most recognizable streets in America, situated just blocks from Grand Central Terminal and Rockefeller Center. Surveillance footage revealed Tamura walking calmly into the lobby with a rifle in hand. He wore a button-down shirt and jacket, giving no visual indication that a mass shooting was about to unfold.
According to New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, Tamura began firing rounds inside the lobby, hitting multiple people. Among those killed was Didarul Islam, an off-duty New York Police Department (NYPD) officer who was working a second job as a corporate security guard. He was in full uniform when he was gunned down.
After the initial attack, Tamura proceeded to the elevator bank and ascended to the 33rd floor, where he fatally shot another person before killing himself with a gunshot to the chest. The entire incident happened in minutes, leaving behind chaos, casualties, and deep trauma for victims' families.
The Shooter: Who Was Shane Tamura?
Shane Tamura had no criminal record of violent behavior and was not on the radar of Las Vegas police as a threat. However, officials say he had a documented history of mental illness and past interactions with crisis response teams. Tamura worked security at a Las Vegas casino but reportedly missed his shift the day before the shooting, choosing instead to drive across the country in a black BMW sedan.
Authorities found a handwritten, three-page note in his wallet in which Tamura explained his motivations. He claimed he suffered from CTE, blaming the NFL for hiding the true dangers of brain trauma. The note cited a PBS Frontline documentary and made reference to former NFL player Terry Long, who was diagnosed with CTE after taking his own life in 2005.
Tamura, however, had never played professional football. His experience was limited to high school football in California, over a decade ago. Whether he exhibited actual symptoms of CTE remains unconfirmed, and experts have reiterated that CTE can only be definitively diagnosed after death, through brain tissue analysis.
Despite his limited football history, Tamura’s note was filled with anger toward the NFL and its past denial of concussion-related brain injuries. He asked that his brain be studied after his death to determine whether CTE was present.
The Victims: Innocent Lives Lost
Among the four individuals killed were:
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Didarul Islam: A 36-year-old NYPD officer and father of two with a third child on the way. Islam immigrated from Bangladesh and had been with the NYPD for over three years. Friends describe him as friendly, humble, and committed to his faith. His tragic death has deeply impacted his community in the Bronx.
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Wesley LePatner: A real estate executive at Blackstone, one of the firms housed in the Park Avenue tower. LePatner was known for her leadership in real estate investment and was a respected figure in New York’s business circles.
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Aland Etienne: A security guard on duty at the front desk who was fatally shot in the lobby.
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One additional unidentified male: Authorities have not yet released full details about the fourth victim pending family notification.
One more person, a female NFL employee, was seriously injured and remains hospitalized in stable condition.
The Weapon & Investigation
Tamura used an AR-15-style rifle, built from parts reportedly sourced across different states. Police confirmed that detectives are now investigating the origin of the lower receiver and other gun components, as well as whether Tamura assembled the weapon himself.
He was legally permitted to carry a concealed firearm, holding a permit in Nevada that had expired in December 2024. While he did not have any outstanding warrants, authorities noted that Tamura had been previously arrested in 2023 for refusing to leave a casino property, though the charges were later dropped.
Investigators are also speaking with individuals who may have supplied the weapon parts, attempting to trace the supply chain that enabled Tamura to obtain a high-powered rifle despite signs of mental instability.
NFL and Political Reactions
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell issued a statement expressing deep sorrow and gratitude to the first responders. He confirmed that one NFL employee was seriously injured and that the organization would provide support to victims’ families and staff.
“This was an unspeakable act of violence in our building,” Goodell wrote in a memo to NFL staff. “We will honor the lives lost and stand united with our colleagues and their families.”
The tragedy also prompted a response from former President Donald Trump, who posted on social media:
“My heart is with the families of the four people who were killed, including the NYPD Officer, who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
Understanding CTE and NFL Liability
This attack has renewed public debate around CTE, mental health, and corporate responsibility in sports. The NFL has faced years of lawsuits and scrutiny over its handling of concussions. In 2016, after decades of denial, the league acknowledged a link between football and CTE in testimony before Congress.
Since then, the NFL has paid out over $1.4 billion to settle concussion-related claims with retired players. Still, critics say the league needs to do more to promote safety and mental health support for athletes — including those in youth and amateur leagues.
Experts point out that although CTE is real and dangerous, Tamura had never played in the NFL, and his mental state may have been influenced more by existing psychological issues than by any physical injury sustained during his short high school football career.
Community Mourning and Support
The shooting has had a profound impact on New York City’s law enforcement community, particularly in the Bronx, where Officer Islam lived with his family. NYPD officers gave him a hero’s farewell, saluting his body as it was moved from the hospital under a department flag.
Neighbors and friends have stepped in to support his grieving wife and children, many bringing food and messages of prayer.
“He was a good man — always respectful and kind,” said Tanjim Talukdar, a close friend who saw Islam regularly during Friday prayers. “This loss is heavy for all of us.”
Final Thoughts: A Stark Reminder
This tragedy serves as yet another reminder of the fragility of public safety, even in a heavily monitored city like New York. While gun violence in the U.S. remains a polarizing and deeply complicated issue, attacks like this — rooted in personal delusion, mental illness, and vengeance — underscore the urgency of reform in both mental health care and gun policy.
At the same time, the shooter’s focus on the NFL adds a new layer of complexity to the ongoing national conversation around brain trauma in sports, responsibility, and justice.
As investigators continue piecing together Shane Tamura’s motives and timeline, the country mourns for the innocent lives lost — and questions how such a violent plan was allowed to reach one of America’s most iconic business towers, right in the heart of New York City.
🕊️ Our thoughts are with all victims and their families.
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