Gunman Targeted NFL HQ in NYC Office Shooting, Mayor Adams Says

The Shooter's Motive and Mental State

The shooter behind a deadly rampage in Midtown Manhattan on Monday evening was apparently targeting NFL offices, according to New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Law enforcement sources revealed that investigators found a three-page note in the gunman’s wallet, which he had written while rambling about chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). This brain disease is commonly associated with repeated head trauma, often seen in contact sports like football.

The note reportedly indicated that the shooter, Shane Tamura, believed he had CTE and wanted his brain donated for scientific study. Adams mentioned this during an appearance on "CBS Mornings," stating that the note alluded to the idea that the NFL was responsible for his injury. CTE has gained attention in recent years due to more high-profile cases being confirmed, especially among athletes who have suffered repeated concussions.

Background on the Shooter

Tamura, a 27-year-old from the Las Vegas area, drove cross-country to New York in the days leading up to the shooting. He targeted the 44-story building at 345 Park Ave., which houses offices for the NFL, as well as companies like Blackstone and KPMG. However, instead of reaching the NFL headquarters, he took the wrong elevator bank and ended up at Rudin Management, where he carried out additional shootings.

Four people were killed in the incident, including NYPD Officer Didarul Islam, and another individual remains in critical condition. President Trump expressed his condolences on social media, and FBI Director Kash Patel offered prayers for the fallen officer. Adams noted that the NYPD is sending two teams to Las Vegas to execute a search warrant and investigate the weapons recovered so far.

Security Failures and Building Safeguards

Bullet holes were visible in the building’s windows on Tuesday, with investigators removing several bags of evidence. Adams mentioned that the high-rise has multiple security measures, including a button that can freeze elevators. Unfortunately, the security guard was shot before he could activate it.

"If he was able to get to the button, he could have froze the elevator. But he was assassinated behind the counter as he attempted to hide himself," the mayor said.

Impact on the NFL and Employees

Following the shooting, the NFL instructed its New York employees to work from home while the building remains an active crime scene. Commissioner Roger Goodell sent a message to company-wide staff, stating that an employee was seriously wounded and hospitalized in stable condition. He also mentioned increased security and grief counselors would be available for employees.

New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn opened Tuesday’s news conference by expressing thoughts and prayers for those affected by the tragedy.

Shane Tamura’s Past and Mental Health Concerns

Although Tamura never played in the NFL, articles from the Santa Clarita Valley Signal in 2014 indicate he played high school football in California. His former football coach, Walter Roby, described him as a quiet leader and hard worker. Tamura lived in a gated community in Las Vegas, where police executed a search warrant to examine computers, phones, and other devices.

Tamura had a concealed carry permit, and sources say that in 2022, his background check was clean. However, shortly after, he was involved in two separate mental health incidents. In 2023, he refused to show his ID when collecting winnings at a casino and was arrested for trespassing. In June of this year, a tipster contacted police after Tamura purchased large quantities of ammunition at a gun show. Although officers investigated, no illegal activity was found, and his permit remained valid.

Timeline Leading Up to the Shooting

Police stated that Tamura skipped his shift at the Horseshoe casino in Las Vegas on Sunday. A spokesperson for the casino expressed condolences and stated they are cooperating with law enforcement. Sources suggest that a coworker purchased part of the assault rifle Tamura later used in the shooting, and detectives are interviewing that associate.

Tamura drove from Las Vegas to New York City, parking his black BMW outside the building on Park Avenue. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch reported that he exited the vehicle carrying an M4 rifle and opened fire on Officer Islam and two others on the ground floor. He then took the elevator to the 33rd floor, where he shot another victim before taking his own life.

Prescription medications were found in his car, along with a rifle case containing rounds, a loaded revolver, and additional ammunition. Tisch mentioned that the gun used in the shooting was assembled by Tamura using a lower receiver purchased by an associate, and authorities have located that associate and others.

Adams expressed frustration over Tamura’s ability to obtain a concealed firearms permit, highlighting the challenges posed by differing gun laws across states. Under Nevada law, individuals who have been declared mentally ill or committed to a mental health facility may be banned from owning guns.