New York City, July 30, 2025
News Summary
A shooting at the NFL’s New York headquarters resulted in the deaths of four individuals, including an NYPD officer. The shooter, Shane Tamura, believed he suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and expressed grievances about the NFL’s handling of brain injuries in a suicide note. The incident raises pressing concerns about mental health and gun violence, highlighting the need for better understanding and treatment for individuals affected by high-contact sports.
New York City experienced a tragic shooting incident on Monday evening, where Shane Tamura, 27, killed four people, including an NYPD officer, before taking his own life. The shooting took place at the NFL’s headquarters located at 345 Park Avenue and was reportedly motivated by Tamura’s belief that he suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain injury linked to football.
According to authorities, Tamura entered the building armed with a homemade AR-15 assault rifle and a legally purchased Colt Python .357-caliber handgun. The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. and left four victims dead, including NYPD Officer Didarul Islam, Wesley LePatner of Blackstone, security guard Aland Etienne, and Julia Hyman, an employee of Rudin. Tamura reportedly had difficulty reaching the NFL’s office on the upper floors due to incorrect elevator usage.
Investigators found a three-page suicide note in Tamura’s wallet, condemning the NFL for allegedly hiding the dangers of brain injuries for financial gain. The note also expressed his admiration for Terry Long, a former NFL player who took his life after being diagnosed with CTE, and referenced the documentary “League of Denial”, which examined the NFL’s response to brain injuries. Additionally, a second note discovered in Tamura’s Las Vegas apartment conveyed disappointment towards his parents.
Authorities noted that Tamura had a documented history of mental illness and had previously reported suicidal thoughts. His gun permit application, approved in April 2022, raised concerns as he disclosed his mental health struggles during the process. Despite this, he possessed a valid concealed carry permit in Nevada and had purchased an unusually high amount of ammunition.
Prior to the shooting, Tamura was seen driving a BMW across the country, with reported sightings in states such as Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, and New Jersey. He had failed to report for his scheduled shift at a Las Vegas casino on the night of the shooting, raising alarms about his mental state.
The medical examiner’s office will examine Tamura’s brain to determine the potential presence of CTE. This could provide further insight into his motive and mental condition leading up to the tragic event. Following the incident, increased security measures have been implemented at the NFL’s New York offices, and investigations by the FBI and NYPD are ongoing, including the review of surveillance footage from the site.
This event marks a shocking intersection of mental health issues and gun violence, highlighting the critical need for better understanding and treatment of mental health in individuals, especially those who have participated in high-contact sports. The ramifications of this shooting extend beyond immediate loss, prompting broader discussions about brain injury risks in professional sports.
FAQ
What was the motive behind the shooting?
Shane Tamura believed he suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and targeted the NFL’s headquarters due to perceived negligence regarding brain injuries.
How many people were killed in the shooting?
Four people were killed, including an NYPD officer and three civilians.
What weapons did the shooter use?
Tamura used a homemade AR-15 assault rifle and a Colt Python .357-caliber handgun during the shooting.
What was found in Tamura’s suicide notes?
His notes expressed grievances against the NFL for hiding the risks of brain injuries and referenced former NFL players affected by CTE.
What is the current status of the investigation?
The FBI and NYPD are investigating the incident, conducting a review of surveillance footage and examining Tamura’s mental health history.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 345 Park Avenue, New York City |
| Shooter | Shane Tamura, age 27 |
| Victims | 4 people, including an NYPD officer |
| Motivation | Belief in suffering from CTE |
| Weapons Used | Homemade AR-15, Colt Python |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing by FBI and NYPD |
| Security Measures | Increased security at NFL offices |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tragic Shooting in Midtown Manhattan 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
