A violent shooting spree at a Park Avenue skyscraper in New York City left four people dead, including an NYPD officer, before the gunman turned the weapon on himself.
According to The New York Post, Shane Tamura, 27, was found with a three-page note blaming the NFL for giving him chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), despite never having played professional football. The Las Vegas resident claimed the league "knowingly concealed the dangers" to maximize profits.
The tragedy unfolded Monday evening when Tamura arrived at 345 Park Avenue, which houses the NFL's corporate headquarters, armed with an M4 rifle. He initially opened fire in the building's lobby, killing officer Didarul Islam, 36, and two others, before making his way to the 33rd floor, where he killed one more person and then shot himself in the chest.
Mental Health History Raises Questions About Access
Tamura had a documented history of mental health issues in Las Vegas, where he worked as a casino security guard. His violent outburst has sparked renewed concerns about gun access for individuals with known psychological conditions.
Sources revealed that Tamura possessed a valid concealed-carry handgun permit set to expire in 2027. The permit's approval despite his mental health record has prompted calls for stricter background checks and monitoring systems.
Mayor Eric Adams confirmed that Tamura had intended to target NFL employees on floors 5 through 8 but ended up on a higher floor after taking the wrong elevator. This mistake likely prevented an even greater tragedy at the league's offices.
Former High School Football Star's Decline
Before his descent into violence, Tamura was once considered a promising athlete at Golden Valley High School in California. His former coach had predicted "big things" for the running back before his 2016 graduation.
A former classmate, Caleb Clarke, described Tamura's potential as seemingly limitless before something changed. The stark contrast between his early promise and tragic end has left his community struggling to understand the transformation.
The shooter's obsession with CTE led him to reference Terry Long, a former Pittsburgh Steelers player who died by suicide after consuming antifreeze. This detail from his note revealed a deep fixation on football-related brain injuries.
NFL Commissioner Addresses Staff Safety
Roger Goodell, the NFL's commissioner, informed employees that one of their colleagues was "seriously injured" but survived the attack. The victim remains in critical but stable condition at a local hospital.
The shooting prompted NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch to personally contact executives at Blackstone, another major tenant in the building, assuring them they were not the intended targets. The quick communication helped prevent additional panic among other building occupants.
The tragic incident has led to increased security measures at NFL facilities nationwide. The league has announced plans to review and enhance safety protocols at all its locations.
Impact Reaches Beyond Park Avenue
The victims included Wesley LePatner, a Blackstone executive, among the four fatalities that shocked the Manhattan business community. The shooting has devastated families and colleagues across multiple organizations.
Building management at 345 Park Avenue has implemented immediate security upgrades, including additional armed guards and enhanced screening procedures. These measures aim to prevent any similar incidents in the future.
The investigation continues as authorities examine Tamura's background, mental health history, and how he obtained his weapons. Law enforcement officials are working to understand the full scope of his planning and any potential warning signs that were missed.
