A devastating shooting unfolded in Midtown Manhattan on Monday evening, resulting in the deaths of four individuals, including an off-duty police officer. The 27-year-old shooter, identified as Shane Devon Tamura from Las Vegas, was equipped with body armor and wielded a high-powered M4 rifle. The incident occurred just before 6:30 p.m. at a building located at 345 Park Ave., which houses the headquarters of notable firms like Blackstone and the National Football League (NFL).
According to officials, the shooting began in the building's lobby, where Tamura emerged from a double-parked BMW. He entered the lobby alone and immediately opened fire, targeting an NYPD officer and indiscriminately spraying bullets throughout the area. After the initial attack, Tamura proceeded to the elevator bank, where he shot a security guard before making his way to the 33rd floor. There, he shot another victim before ultimately taking his own life, as confirmed by New York Police Department Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
Authorities revealed that Tamura had traveled cross-country from Las Vegas to New York City in a vehicle that was later searched by law enforcement. Inside his car, officers discovered a rifle case with rounds, a loaded revolver, ammunition, magazines, a backpack, and medication prescribed to Tamura. Notably, he possessed a license to carry a concealed weapon in the state of Nevada. Commissioner Tisch stated, “We believe this to be a lone shooter,” emphasizing that there is currently no indication of a broader threat.
Witness Jessica Chen, who was present in the building during the shooting, recounted the terrifying moments as chaos ensued. "We heard multiple shots go off in quick succession from the first floor, and a lot of us just rushed into the room," Chen said. She described the panic as she and about 150 others sought refuge, barricading themselves in a conference room while texting loved ones to express their affection. Chen reflected on the experience, noting her previous participation in active shooter drills and the harsh reality of the situation.
In the wake of this tragic event, FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino confirmed that personnel from the FBI's New York Field Office responded to the crime scene to provide support. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has been briefed on the situation and is closely monitoring the developments. KPMG, an accounting firm with offices in the affected building, expressed their condolences in a statement: “Our hearts go out to the victims of this horrific act and their families. We are incredibly grateful for the bravery of building security and law enforcement.”
The motive behind this horrific shooting remains under investigation. As authorities continue to piece together the details, the community is left grappling with the aftermath of this unsettling violence in a typically bustling part of New York City.
