Midtown Manhattan, July 30, 2025

News Summary

In a tragic shooting event at the NFL headquarters in Midtown Manhattan, Shane Tamura killed four individuals including an NYPD officer. Motivated by concerns over chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), Tamura’s actions were detailed in a suicide note expressing his anger towards the NFL for allegedly concealing the dangers of brain injuries. Authorities are investigating the incident, focusing on Tamura’s mental health history and the firearms he used, amidst ongoing discussions about gun control and sports safety.

New York City: Gunman Shane Tamura Kills Four in Midtown Manhattan Shooting Targeting NFL Over CTE Concerns

In a tragic event on Monday evening, Shane Tamura, a 27-year-old gunman, opened fire at the National Football League (NFL) headquarters in Midtown Manhattan, killing four individuals, including NYPD officer Didarul Islam. The shooting has been attributed to Tamura’s beliefs surrounding chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a serious brain condition linked to repeated head injuries commonly associated with contact sports like football.

Authorities discovered a three-page suicide note in Tamura’s wallet, detailing his anger towards the NFL, whom he accused of hiding the dangers of brain injuries for profit. The note expressed his desire to bring attention to CTE, referencing former NFL player Terry Long, who died by suicide after being diagnosed with the condition. In a further effort to highlight the issue, Tamura had aimed a bullet at his chest to possibly preserve his brain for research after his death.

The shooting unfolded around 6:30 p.m. at 345 Park Avenue, as Tamura entered the building armed with a homemade AR-15 assault rifle and a legally purchased Colt Python .357-caliber handgun. Investigators indicated that Tamura struggled to reach the NFL’s offices due to using the wrong elevator bank. Tamura’s attack resulted in the deaths of three other victims: Blackstone executive Wesley LePatner, security guard Aland Etienne, and Rudin employee Julia Hyman.

In an alarming discovery, investigators found Tamura had a history of mental illness, including previously self-reporting suicidal thoughts. His gun permit application from April 2022 was approved despite these red flags, which has raised questions about the vetting process for potential gun owners. Tamura also had a valid concealed carry permit in Nevada and was known to have made large ammunition purchases.

Background and Investigation

Prior to the shooting, Tamura drove cross-country in a BMW, with confirmed sightings in Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, and New Jersey. He had failed to report for his scheduled overnight shift at a Las Vegas casino the night of the incident. The FBI and NYPD are currently investigating the shooting, including a review of surveillance footage from the NFL building.

In addition to the suicide note found in his wallet, a second note was located in Tamura’s Las Vegas apartment, expressing disappointment towards his parents. The medical examiner will determine if Tamura’s brain will be studied for CTE, as experts in the field, such as Dr. Ann McKee and Dr. Bennet Omalu, have been named in his writings.

As a result of the shooting, the NFL headquarters has implemented heightened security measures, and the incident has sparked a nationwide discussion regarding the intersection of mental health, gun control, and the NFL’s handling of brain injury issues in sports.

Key Features of the Incident

• Location: NFL Headquarters, Midtown Manhattan
• Date of Incident: Monday evening
• Fatalities: NYPD officer Didarul Islam, Wesley LePatner, Aland Etienne, Julia Hyman
• Assailant: Shane Tamura, 27 years old
• Weapons Used: Homemade AR-15, Colt Python handgun
• Mental Health History: Documented concerns, previously expressed suicidal thoughts
• Investigation: Ongoing by FBI and NYPD, reviewing security footage

Conclusion

The shocking events in Midtown Manhattan have not only resulted in unnecessary loss of life but have also reignited debates surrounding mental health, the responsibilities of the NFL, and gun ownership regulations. As investigations continue, there remain many questions regarding systemic issues that may have contributed to this tragic outcome.

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HERE Resources

Midtown Manhattan Shooting Claims Four Lives

Additional Resources

• ABC7 NY
• The New York Times
• The Wall Street Journal
• CBS News
• ESPN
• Wikipedia: Chronic traumatic encephalopathy
• Google Search: NFL CTE
• Google Scholar: Chronic traumatic encephalopathy
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Concussion
• Google News: NYC shooting