NY Gunman Caught on Camera Before Attack: Report

Advanced Security Systems and the Tragedy at 345 Park Avenue

A security system at 345 Park Avenue in New York City flagged a potential threat just moments before a mass shooting occurred, according to two former federal officials with knowledge of the city's building security protocols. The incident unfolded on Monday when a gunman entered the skyscraper’s lobby and began firing, resulting in multiple fatalities.

According to CCTV footage obtained by Reuters, a still image captured at 6:26:52 p.m. ET—just over a minute before the first emergency call was made—showed a man carrying an assault-style rifle. A bright yellow box, generated by a computer system, surrounded the individual, indicating that the software had identified him as a potential threat requiring immediate action. This raises important questions about whether the attack could have been prevented if security personnel had responded effectively to the alert.

Rudin Management, the real estate company that owns the building, has not commented on the camera system or the actions taken by security staff in response to the alert. However, the presence of such a system suggests that high-end office buildings in New York often employ advanced surveillance technologies to monitor for threats.

The shooter, identified as Shane Tamura, 27, a Las Vegas resident with a history of mental illness, killed two security officers, including a police officer working on a paid security detail, a Rudin employee, and an investment firm executive before taking his own life. The yellow box around the suspect was designed to alert guards at the front desk, but it remains unclear whether this led to any immediate action.

Michael Dorn, executive director of Safe Havens International, emphasized that while such systems can detect threats, they cannot replace human judgment. “You can't automate this away,” he said, highlighting the importance of quick communication between security personnel and building occupants.

Experts note that some security systems allow guards to initiate lockdown procedures for external doors, elevators, and other access points. Matthew Dumpert, global leader of enterprise security risk management at Kroll, said the attack prompted many clients to seek advice on how to better protect themselves from similar incidents. He compared the situation to the aftermath of the killing of United Healthcare executive Brian Thompson in Manhattan, which led to increased security measures for executives.

Glen Kucera, president of Allied Universal, also reported receiving numerous calls from clients following the shooting. He acknowledged that preventing such attacks is extremely difficult, especially when the perpetrator intends to die during the incident. “The only way to have avoided this was to keep the shooter outside, which is very difficult,” Kucera said.

Dave Komendat, senior security advisor at International SOS, noted that the security setup at 345 Park Avenue is typical of high-end offices in New York. While the lobby is open to the public, visitors must check in at security desks to access the elevators, which are behind turnstiles. Rudin’s offices, where the gunman died, include bathrooms that doubled as bulletproof safe rooms, which Mayor Eric Adams credited with potentially saving lives.

In the wake of the tragedy, numerous companies have implemented enhanced security measures for the rest of the week, including additional guards. The Partnership for New York City, representing over 300 banks, investment firms, and other companies in the city, has reported these changes. The event has sparked renewed discussions about the balance between accessibility and security in urban office spaces.