What is CTE? Brain Condition in NYC Shooter's Note Explained

The Tragic Case of Shane Tamura and the Link to CTE

Shane Tamura, a former high school football player, carried out a deadly shooting in Manhattan before taking his own life. His actions left four people dead and sparked an investigation into his motivations, which included references to a brain disease known as CTE.

Tamura entered the 345 Park Avenue building, home to the National Football League (NFL) headquarters, with a rifle on Monday evening after traveling from Las Vegas. During the attack, he injured an NFL employee who was attempting to warn others. Shortly after the incident, Tamura died by suicide while leaving behind a note that raised serious concerns about his mental health and his beliefs regarding the NFL.

The note reportedly claimed that Tamura suffered from CTE, a chronic brain condition linked to repeated head trauma. This condition is often associated with contact sports such as football, where players experience multiple concussions over time. According to the Mayo Clinic, CTE is a progressive disease that leads to the death of nerve cells in the brain, resulting in cognitive and emotional impairments. Symptoms can include memory loss, difficulty with planning and organization, mood swings, aggression, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

Tamura’s note also referenced Terry Long, a former NFL player who died after consuming antifreeze. He accused the NFL of concealing the risks of CTE for profit, claiming that the league had failed those who played the game. While Tamura had no professional or college football career, he did play as a running back, halfback, and defensive back in high school in California during the mid-2010s.

Despite his claims, investigators believe that Tamura may have misunderstood the connection between football and CTE. The NFL has been involved in numerous studies regarding the long-term effects of head injuries, and research has shown that CTE can only be confirmed through post-mortem brain autopsies. In 2023, the Boston University CTE Center reported finding CTE in 345 of the 376 former NFL players they examined.

While the exact causes of CTE are still not fully understood, its association with football has led to increased awareness of the risks faced by athletes. Many former NFL players, including Aaron Hernandez, have been diagnosed with CTE after their deaths. However, it remains unclear how the disease develops in individuals who have not played professionally.

Tamura’s note contained personal messages, including an apology to someone named Rick. It also emphasized the need for his brain to be studied, highlighting his belief that the NFL had ignored the dangers of repeated head injuries. His case has brought renewed attention to the ongoing debate about the long-term health impacts of football and other contact sports.

For those struggling with mental health issues or experiencing suicidal thoughts, support is available. Individuals can call the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or visit http://SuicidePreventionLifeline.org for assistance.