Authorities are currently investigating whether Shane Tamura, a 27-year-old man from Las Vegas, had intentions of targeting the National Football League (NFL) during his deadly shooting spree in Manhattan on Monday. Reports indicate that Tamura, a former high school football player from Los Angeles, had a documented history of mental health issues, which may have influenced his actions.
New York Mayor Eric Adams revealed that the shooter seemed to harbor grievances against the NFL, mistakenly entering the wrong floor of the building that houses the NFL headquarters. “He seemed to have blamed the NFL,” Mayor Adams stated during an interview with WPIX-TV. “The NFL headquarters was located in the building, and he mistakenly went up the wrong elevator bank.”
At approximately 6:25 PM on Monday, Tamura entered a 44-story office tower located on Park Avenue, which contains the NFL headquarters and the investment firm Blackstone. Armed with an M4 assault rifle, he immediately opened fire in the lobby, targeting an NYPD officer, a woman seeking cover, and a security guard. Following the initial shots, Tamura entered an elevator, ascending to the 33rd floor, where he continued his rampage, ultimately resulting in four fatalities, including his own.
New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed that Tamura had a documented mental health history. “Mr. Tamura has a documented mental health history,” she said, referencing information from Las Vegas law enforcement. The investigation is ongoing as authorities seek to determine the exact motives behind his choice of location for the attack.
In a troubling development, a suicide note found in Tamura's possession alleged that he suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain disease associated with repeated head trauma. Reports from CNN indicate that the note made references to former NFL player Terry Long, who tragically died by suicide in 2005. The note expressed Tamura's grievances with the NFL, asserting, “Terry Long football gave me CTE and it caused me to drink a gallon of antifreeze.”
Among the victims was NYPD officer Didarul Islam, who had served for three and a half years and was on duty as a security officer at the time. Officer Islam leaves behind a pregnant wife and two young children. New York Governor Kathy Hochul called the shooting a “horrific act of violence” and expressed her condolences to Islam's family and all victims. She emphasized the need for Congress to take action on gun control, particularly regarding military-grade rifles, stating, “The time to act is now.”
Shane Tamura was a celebrated athlete during his high school years, playing for Golden Valley High School in Santa Clarita and later at Granada Hills Charter School. He was known for his prowess on the field, making significant contributions as a running back. In his senior year, Tamura achieved impressive statistics, including 600 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
A video that surfaced on social media showcased Tamura celebrating a victory with his team, highlighting his past as a standout player. However, his journey took a tragic turn, culminating in this violent incident.
Initial investigations suggest that Tamura traveled from Las Vegas to New York, taking a cross-country route through several states. Law enforcement officials inspected the vehicle he had double-parked on Park Avenue, discovering a rifle case, loaded revolver ammunition, a backpack, and prescribed medication. Fortunately, no explosives were found in the car.
This shocking incident, marked by a troubled past and complex motives, has raised significant concerns regarding mental health and gun violence, prompting calls for action on both fronts.
