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

The Shooter's Motive and Background

A tragic shooting occurred in Midtown Manhattan on Monday evening, where a gunman targeted an office building housing the NFL headquarters. New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed that the shooter, Shane Tamura, was apparently focused on the NFL offices. According to law enforcement sources, investigators found a three-page note in Tamura’s wallet that referenced chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain disease commonly associated with contact sports.

The note indicated that Tamura wanted his brain donated for scientific study, suggesting he believed he suffered from CTE. Adams noted that the note implied Tamura blamed the NFL for his injury. CTE is caused by repeated head trauma and has gained attention due to high-profile cases linked to athletes involved in contact sports.

The Journey to New York

Tamura, a 27-year-old from the Las Vegas area, traveled 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 the NFL as well as other companies like Blackstone and KPMG. However, Tamura took the wrong elevator bank, ending up at Rudin Management instead of the NFL offices. It was there that he carried out additional shootings, resulting in the deaths of several employees.

Four people, including NYPD Officer Didarul Islam, were killed in the incident, and another individual remains in critical condition. President Trump expressed his condolences on social media, while FBI Director Kash Patel offered prayers for the fallen officer.

Security Measures and Response

Mayor Adams mentioned that the high-rise building has safety features, including an elevator freeze button. Unfortunately, the security guard was shot before he could activate it. Investigators are now examining the building, with bullet holes visible in the windows and evidence bags being removed.

In response to the tragedy, the NFL instructed its New York employees to work from home. Commissioner Roger Goodell sent a company-wide message stating that an employee was hospitalized in stable condition. He also mentioned increased security measures and the availability of grief counselors.

Tamura's Past and Mental Health Concerns

Although Tamura never played in the NFL, he was known for his athletic abilities during high school football in California. His former coach 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 investigate his background.

Sources indicate that Tamura had a concealed carry permit. In 2022, his background check was clean, but he later faced two mental health incidents. In 2023, he was arrested for trespass after refusing to show ID at a casino and attempting to grab a security officer. In June of this year, a tipster reported Tamura purchasing large quantities of ammunition, though no illegal activity was found. He legally purchased a revolver in Nevada.

Timeline of Events Leading to the Shooting

Police reported that Tamura skipped his shift at the Horseshoe casino in Las Vegas on Sunday. A coworker later purchased part of the assault rifle used in the shooting, and detectives are investigating this associate. On the day of the incident, Tamura drove to New York, parking his black BMW outside the building on Park Avenue.

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated that Tamura entered the building carrying an M4 rifle and opened fire on Officer Islam and two others. He then proceeded to the 33rd floor, where he shot another victim before taking his own life. Prescription medications, a rifle case, a loaded revolver, and additional ammunition were found in his car.

Tisch revealed that the gun used in the shooting was assembled by Tamura using a lower receiver purchased by an associate. Authorities have located this associate and others involved.

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