In a shocking event that rattled New York City, Shane Tamura, a 27-year-old man with a history of mental health issues, opened fire in a Midtown skyscraper on 28 July 2024, killing four people before taking his own life. His rampage appears to have been motivated by a belief that the National Football League (NFL) was responsible for his alleged chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)—a degenerative brain disease associated with contact sports.
The Incident Unfolded
The shooting incident began outside a tower on Park Avenue, where Tamura fatally shot a police officer, Didarul Islam, who had immigrated from Bangladesh and was a father of two. Tamura then moved into the building’s lobby, where he continued his attack with a semi-automatic rifle, hitting a security guard and a bystander.
Victims Remembered
- Didarul Islam: A dedicated officer, described as a “hero” by Mayor Eric Adams, was part of the security detail.
- Aland Etienne: A security guard killed during the shooting, also targeted while trying to protect others.
- Wesley LePatner: A senior executive at Blackstone, who was tragically shot in the lobby.
- Julia Hyman: A recent Cornell graduate working at Rudin Management, also lost her life in this senseless act.
Mental Health Concerns and the NFL
According to authorities, Tamura’s suicide note indicated he believed he suffered from CTE—a condition linked to aggressive behaviour and dementia, typically found in athletes who have played contact sports.
Shane had never played in the NFL, but he was a notable high school football player in California. His note reportedly included a plea for his brain to be studied for CTE—a tragic indication of his mental state. Mayor Adams highlighted Tamura’s assertion of blame towards the NFL, noting, “He appeared to have blamed the NFL for his injury.” This highlights ongoing concerns regarding player safety and the risk of head injuries in contact sports.
The Aftermath
In the wake of the tragedy, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated that employees in the New York office should work remotely while the investigation continues. The shooting, marking one of the deadliest incidents in recent New York history, has raised alarms about the frequency of mass shootings in the United States, with over 250 such incidents occurring in 2024 alone, according to the Gun Violence Archive.
Mayor Adams described the unfolding scene as chaotic, with many employees confused and terrified—underlining the psychological scarring that such events can leave on communities.
Continuing Investigations
Authorities are currently tracing Tamura’s steps from Las Vegas to New York City. There are questions surrounding how he obtained the weapon and whether anyone assisted him in acquiring it. The investigation is ongoing, focusing on both his mental health history and his motives.
As the city grapples with this tragedy, the importance of mental health awareness and the need for improved safety measures in public spaces remains a critical discussion point.