A shocking mass shooting incident occurred on Monday at an office building in Midtown Manhattan, claiming the lives of four individuals and injuring a fifth. The alleged shooter, a 27-year-old man named Shane Tamura, reportedly carried a note in his pocket that revealed his belief he suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and requested that his brain be studied posthumously. This information was disclosed by police sources to ABC News.
The shooting unfolded at 345 Park Ave., a location that houses several businesses, including the NFL headquarters. According to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Tamura appeared to hold the NFL accountable for his injuries. CTE is a degenerative brain disease often linked to repeated head trauma, commonly identified in athletes such as football players, boxers, and military veterans. While CTE cannot be definitively diagnosed in living individuals, physicians may suspect it based on a patient’s symptoms and history of head injuries.
Shane Tamura, who had a documented history of mental health issues, tragically took his own life at the 33rd floor of the Rudin Management offices, as reported by authorities. Mayor Adams stated that during the preliminary investigation, it was revealed that Tamura mistakenly took the wrong elevator bank, which led him to Rudin Management instead of the NFL headquarters. This error resulted in additional shootings, further escalating the tragic outcome of the day.
Among the victims, the fifth individual who was hospitalized in critical condition has since undergone surgery and is reported to be in stable condition as of Tuesday morning, according to sources familiar with the situation. The swift response of emergency services was crucial in providing immediate medical attention to those affected.
Law enforcement officials revealed that Tamura had undergone two Mental Health Crisis Holds in Nevada—one in 2022 and another in 2024. These holds permit individuals to be detained for up to 72 hours if deemed a danger to themselves or others. A Las Vegas police source indicated that such holds require officers to transport the individual to a hospital, where medical professionals assess their condition and determine the necessary course of action.
In addition to his mental health history, Tamura obtained his concealed carry license (CCW) in 2022 and had a prior arrest for trespassing in Nevada. This information raises critical questions about gun control and mental health policies, especially regarding individuals with documented mental health challenges.
CTE can only be confirmed through an autopsy performed by specialists who look for specific changes in the brain, including alterations in tau protein levels. Symptoms of CTE typically manifest years after the initial head trauma and may include memory loss, mood changes, confusion, and difficulty thinking clearly. As the investigation continues, more details about Tamura’s condition and its potential impact on his actions are expected to emerge.
This is an ongoing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. The tragic events of Monday serve as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding mental health, gun safety, and the impact of traumatic brain injuries. For further developments, please check back regularly.
Contributors to this report include ABC News' Darren Reynolds and Liz Neporent.
