Shane Tamura, the 27-year-old gunman responsible for the deadly Manhattan shooting, left behind a suicide note addressed to his parents in his Las Vegas residence.
According to Breitbart, the note contained the message: "I love you, mama. I'm sorry." New York Police Department (NYPD) detectives made this discovery along with several prescription bottles for antipsychotic, antiepileptic, and anti-inflammatory medications.
The Monday shooting at an office building housing Blackstone and NFL headquarters left four people dead and one critically injured before Tamura died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds. Investigators also found a tripod for the rifle used in the shooting, 100 rounds of 9mm ammunition, and an empty revolver box at his Las Vegas studio apartment.
Former Police Officer's Son Linked to Deadly Attack
Terence Tamura, the gunman's father, had served nearly three decades with the Los Angeles Police Department before retiring in 2017. An LAPD spokesperson confirmed to NBC 4 Los Angeles that the elder Tamura "retired in good standing" after almost 30 years of service. The connection between the shooter and law enforcement has added another complex dimension to the investigation.
Authorities revealed that a separate three-page suicide note was found on Shane Tamura's person at the crime scene. This note contained references to Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a brain disease caused by head trauma often associated with football players who have suffered concussions. The gunman apparently blamed the NFL for his mental illness and requested his brain be studied posthumously.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams stated that Tamura "appeared to have blamed the NFL for his injury." This connection to the NFL may explain why the headquarters was targeted, though investigations into the motive continue.
Football Background and CTE Claims Surface
Tamura's high school football career in California has come under scrutiny following the shooting. His former coach, Walter Roby, expressed shock upon learning about his former player's actions. "Total shock, total shock," Roby told NBC 4 Los Angeles while reflecting on whether he could have done more to help Tamura a decade earlier.
The coach's comments revealed the profound impact such incidents have on those who knew the perpetrator before the violence. "It reminds you of the word, 99 sheep and 1 gets away, you try to really look at yourself," Roby said, questioning if there was "more than I could have done to help him." These reflections highlight the difficult questions that often emerge after such tragedies.
One NFL employee was critically injured during the shooting but is expected to survive, according to ESPN. The targeting of the NFL headquarters aligns with Tamura's apparent grievances expressed in his suicide notes.
Weapon Source and Las Vegas Connection Identified
The investigation has revealed that a man named Rick, whose last name is being withheld, sold Tamura both the AR-15 used in the shooting and the BMW he drove from Nevada to New York. Tamura specifically mentioned this individual in the suicide note found in his wallet at the crime scene, writing, "I'm sorry, Rick." This connection suggests Tamura had established relationships in Las Vegas.
Rick also served as Tamura's supervisor at the security guard job he held at a Las Vegas casino. Police have confirmed these connections, but as of Friday, Rick has not been charged with any crime related to the shooting. Investigators continue to examine this relationship to determine if there were any warning signs.
The presence of a tripod for the rifle suggests the attack may have been planned with precision. Additional evidence recovered from Tamura's residence, including the 100 rounds of ammunition, indicates potential preparation for an extended assault.
Mental Health Concerns and Aftermath Questions
The discovery of antipsychotic medications raises significant questions about Tamura's mental health history and treatment. Prescription bottles found in his Las Vegas residence included antipsychotic, antiepileptic, and anti-inflammatory drugs, suggesting he had been diagnosed with and treated for serious conditions. This evidence points to a troubled mental state that may have contributed to his violent actions.
Tamura's claim that his mental illness was caused by CTE has drawn attention to the ongoing debates about brain injuries in sports. His request to have his brain studied posthumously echoes concerns raised by many former football players and their families. The connection between contact sports and long-term brain damage continues to be a contentious issue in American athletics.
The tragedy has left communities in both New York and Las Vegas grappling with questions about how such violence could have been prevented. Mayor Adams and law enforcement officials continue to investigate all aspects of the case while families of victims seek answers and closure.
