Shane Tamura, 27, took his life after fatally shooting four people, leaving a note blaming the National Football League for his mental health issues linked to brain injury. Mistakenly entering the incorrect office, Tamura's attack caused chaos and triggered a police response in Midtown Manhattan.
Wrong Target: Gunman Blaming NFL for Mental Illness Kills Four in NYC Skyscraper
Wrong Target: Gunman Blaming NFL for Mental Illness Kills Four in NYC Skyscraper
A tragic shooting incident in New York's financial district led to four fatalities as the gunman mistakenly targeted the wrong office while expressing grievances toward the NFL.
A gunman opened fire in a New York City skyscraper on Monday evening, resulting in the tragic deaths of four individuals and leaving several others injured. The attacker was identified as 27-year-old Shane Tamura from Las Vegas, who reportedly left a note blaming the National Football League (NFL) for his mental health struggles. According to Mayor Eric Adams, the note referenced CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy), a brain condition often associated with contact sports, which Tamura believed had impacted him due to a history of playing football in his youth.
Despite having played football in high school, Tamura never reached the NFL. He traveled from Las Vegas to New York and came armed with an assault-style rifle. After mistakenly taking the wrong elevator, he began shooting in a building that houses NFL offices but entered the wrong suite, targeting employees of Rudin Management instead.
Among the deceased was New York City police officer Didarul Islam, who was serving as a security guard at the site, and Wesley LePatner, an employee of finance company Blackstone. Two other civilian casualties were also confirmed. An NFL employee suffered serious injuries during the chaotic scene, prompting a message of condolences from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to the league's staff.
The gunman continued his attack after reaching the 33rd floor before ultimately taking his own life. The event horrified nearby bystanders, sparking an immediate police response that effectively shut down parts of Midtown Manhattan and disrupted public transport. Eyewitness accounts describe the scene as akin to a warzone, with people scrambling for safety amidst the sounds of gunfire.
As investigations into the incident continue, the impact of gun violence in the U.S. raises pressing concerns, particularly in urban centers like New York City. This event adds to a troubling national narrative regarding public safety and mental health issues deeply intertwined with sports culture.
