On a somber evening in Midtown East, a shooting took place inside a building owned by the Rudin Management real estate firm, prompting a swift response from law enforcement. This high-profile building is home to several prominent tenants, including the N.F.L. and the investment powerhouse Blackstone Group. As the situation unfolded, tenants quickly locked down their offices, prioritizing safety amidst the chaos.
While specific details about the shooting remain limited, the police confirmed that the gunman, identified as Shane Devon Tamura, 27, from Las Vegas, was deceased by the time police arrived on the scene. Jessica Tisch, the police commissioner, announced on social media shortly after 8 p.m. that the scene had been contained and that the lone shooter was neutralized. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the horror began shortly before 6 p.m., leading to a massive mobilization of law enforcement, including hundreds of officers from New York City, as well as state and federal agents.
As the situation developed, employees began to evacuate the building in small groups, hands raised to signal they were unarmed. Witness Ben Ryder Howe, a freelance journalist, reported that by 7 p.m., a larger group emerged from the building, some running frantically while others maintained a calm demeanor. Nearby buildings also went into lockdown, with individuals leaving in a similar manner, hands raised high to indicate their safety.
One employee from Blackstone, located on the 31st floor, reported hearing a loud bang followed by a thud from above, initially dismissing it until an email alerted them to the presence of a shooter in the building. The tension in the air was palpable, as law enforcement cleared a perimeter around the Park Avenue building, deploying drones and helicopters to monitor the situation.
Among those caught in the turmoil was Jorge Jimenez, a 62-year-old livery cab driver from Queens. He described a scene of chaos as office workers fled with their hands raised, some even running barefoot as they abandoned their high heels. While he awaited an opportunity to retrieve his vehicle, Jimenez expressed concern about the potential for terrorism, noting the fear evident on people's faces. His client had to resort to using an Uber to reach LaGuardia Airport due to the lockdown.
Another witness, identified as Mr. Laing, recounted the terrifying moment the chaos erupted. He noticed what appeared to be smoke coming from the building, followed by screams from those fleeing. "They were running and running, and kept yelling 'Active shooter! Active shooter!'" he said. Laing dashed several blocks south, seeking refuge in a restaurant, his attire soaked with sweat from the adrenaline and panic of the situation. He described how the events unfolded in both a rapid and surreal manner, with gunshots, smoke, and the cries of frightened individuals creating a scene that felt both immediate and unreal.
This tragic incident in Midtown East has left many shaken and raised questions about safety in urban environments. As the community processes the events of that fateful evening, law enforcement continues to investigate, ensuring that such incidents are addressed with the utmost seriousness. The resilience of New Yorkers shines through even in the face of adversity, as they navigate the aftermath of this traumatic event.
