Gunman Targets NFL, Claims Wrong Location in New York Shooting
In a tragic incident that unfolded on Monday evening in New York City, a gunman opened fire in a skyscraper, claiming the lives of four individuals, including a police officer. The suspect, identified as 27-year-old Shane Tamura from Las Vegas, reportedly left behind a note suggesting that he held the National Football League (NFL) responsible for a brain injury he attributed to his mental health issues.
According to Mayor Eric Adams, Tamura had intended to confront the NFL directly but ended up in a mistaken location within the building at 345 Park Avenue, which houses the NFL’s headquarters. After accessing the wrong lift, he arrived on a different floor and commenced shooting.
Details Surrounding the Incident
The gunman, who subsequently took his own life, had reportedly been struggling with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a severe degenerative brain condition linked to repeated head trauma. The note he left mentioned, “study my brain please,” and included an apology, hinting at his struggles with mental health.
Witnesses have recounted the horror of the event, with sounds of gunfire ringing out in the lobby as Tamura unleashed chaos. Didarul Islam, a 36-year-old New York City police officer serving as a security guard, was among those fatally wounded. Other victims included Wesley LePatner, an employee at financial powerhouse Blackstone, along with two male civilians. An NFL employee also sustained serious injuries in the attack, as confirmed by Commissioner Roger Goodell.
Community Reactions and Impact
Reports detailed how the shooting prompted a lockdown in Midtown Manhattan, with police rushing to the scene to ensure public safety. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump, who was abroad at the time, expressed his sorrow over the event, stating that U.S. law enforcement agencies would investigate the shooting thoroughly.
New Yorkers responded with shock and fear, with one bystander, Nekeisha Lewis, describing the atmosphere as ‘a warzone’ as she recounted fleeing the scene.
Honoring the Victims
New York Police Commissioner Jennifer Tisch paid tribute to Officer Islam, highlighting his commitment to protecting the community. Islam, who originally hailed from Bangladesh, was a cherished figure in his local mosque and had actively mentored young men in his neighborhood.
Blackstone honored LePatner as a brilliant and respected member of their family. The details regarding the other victims and the NFL employee injured in the shooting remain pending release.
| Victim | Age | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Didarul Islam | 36 | Police Officer |
| Wesley LePatner | Unknown | Blackstone Employee |
| Unknown Civilian 1 | Unknown | Civilian |
| Unknown Civilian 2 | Unknown | Civilian |
The community continues to grapple with the aftermath of this senseless act while reflecting on the lives lost.
