A gunman who claimed the NFL was responsible for his brain injury opened fire inside a Midtown Manhattan office tower on Monday evening, trying to target the American football league, but instead killed four people before shooting himself, according to the New York Police Department. He was trying to reach the NFL office but went to a different part of the building after taking the wrong lift.
The attacker, identified as Shane Tamura, 27, from Nevada, left behind a note referencing chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) a degenerative brain condition linked to repeated head trauma in contact sports. Though he never played professionally, he blamed the league for cutting his football career short.
The shooting unfolded inside 345 Park Avenue, a building that houses major organisations including the NFL, Blackstone, and KPMG.
What happened at the scene?
Tamura entered the building shortly after 6:30 pm with an M4-style semi-automatic rifle. He killed three people in the lobby, including a police officer, then moved to the 33rd floor, where he killed a fourth victim before taking his own life. He was looking to enter the NFL office but went inside a different one, BBC reported.
Staff sheltered in place as emergency services and federal agencies responded. Some employees used furniture to barricade doors, while others were escorted out by police after 10:00 pm.
Who were the victims?
One of the victims was Officer Didarul Islam, 36, who had worked with the NYPD for three years. According to Mayor Eric Adams, he was originally from Bangladesh and had been assigned to security at the building.
As a mark of respect for the memory of NYPD Officer Didarul Islam who died in the line of duty and the multiple victims of the mass shooting in Midtown Manhattan at 345 Park Avenue yesterday, I’ve ordered all flags on all city buildings and stationary flagstaffs throughout the… pic.twitter.com/EGHtafcrxt
— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) July 29, 2025
Another victim was Wesley LePatner, a senior managing director at Blackstone. The company confirmed her death in a statement shared with Reuters, saying: “We are heartbroken to share that our colleague, Wesley LePatner, was among those who lost their lives in the tragic incident at 345 Park Avenue.”
Blackstone described her as “brilliant, passionate, and deeply respected.” She had worked at the firm since 2014 and led its real estate investment business.
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The names of the two other victims, a man and a woman, have not yet been released. Another person was seriously injured and remains in hospital, Mayor Adams said.
Who was the gunman and why did he target the NFL?
Tamura travelled to New York from Las Vegas in the days leading up to the shooting. According to police, a note found in his possession said he believed he suffered from CTE and blamed the NFL for it.
Mayor Adams told CBS News: “He felt he had CTE, a known brain injury for those who participate in contact sports. He appeared to have blamed the NFL.”
Tamura had played high school football but never went professional. A memo found in his wallet said his football career was cut short due to brain trauma, according to AP.
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What was the response at the scene?
The NYPD, emergency services, and federal agencies arrived quickly at the scene. Staff working in the building sheltered in place until police evacuated them later that night.
Last night, we stood shoulder to shoulder for the dignified transfer of Police Officer Didarul Islam.
A husband, a father, a son. He leaves behind a city in grief.
Officer Islam died as he lived: a hero. pic.twitter.com/lhO8AnfT4O
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) July 29, 2025
Some employees told Reuters they had blocked office doors with furniture after hearing gunshots. Others were escorted out by police after 10:00 p.m.
A second firearm a revolver was recovered from Tamura’s parked vehicle outside the building, along with medication and a backpack, the Police Commissioner said.
How have affected companies responded?
Blackstone closed its New York office on Tuesday and held a staff-wide Zoom meeting, according to employees who spoke to Reuters. Senior executives at the firm called Monday the “worst day in the firm’s 40-year history.”
KPMG, which also has offices in the building, closed for the day. Staff from Loeb & Loeb, a law firm located on the 18th to 22nd floors, were allowed to work from home.
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The NFL confirmed that one of its employees was injured and is in stable condition. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell told staff there would be increased security at the league’s headquarters in the coming weeks, AP reported.
What happens next?
Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage, Tamura’s travel records, and his mental health history. According to New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, Tamura appeared to act alone. The NYPD is also reviewing how the gunman entered the building, and whether tighter security is needed in similar office towers.
The FBI’s New York Field Office said its agents are assisting with the investigation. Mayor Adams and city officials urged residents to stay away from the Park Avenue area while investigations continue.
(With inputs from agencies)
