A calm summer evening in Midtown Manhattan took a terrifying turn when a gunman entered a high-rise office building and opened fire, leaving four people dead—including himself—and others injured.
The incident, which unfolded at 345 Park Avenue just before 6:30 p.m., has shaken the city and sent shockwaves across the country.
At the center of it all was 27-year-old Shane Tamura, a former high school football star from Nevada whose path from promising athlete to troubled gunman now raises serious questions about mental health, gun access, and unresolved trauma.
A Message Left Behind: Anger at the NFL and a Plea for His Brain to Be Studied
Investigators found a handwritten note on Tamura’s body, expressing deep frustration with the National Football League’s handling of CTE—a brain condition linked to repeated head trauma.
In the letter, he mentioned former Pittsburgh Steeler Terry Long, who died by suicide in 2006 and was later diagnosed with CTE.
Tamura’s final words painted a picture of despair.
He claimed football had ruined his brain, writing: “Terry Long football gave me CTE and it caused me to drink a gallon of antifreeze.
You can’t go against the NFL—they’ll squash you.”
He added a plea: “Study my brain please. I’m sorry. Tell Rick I’m sorry for everything.”
From Las Vegas to New York: A Chilling Journey Across States
Authorities believe Tamura traveled alone from Las Vegas, making his way through Colorado and New Jersey before arriving in Manhattan.
He drove a black BMW and was legally carrying a concealed firearm, permitted through the Las Vegas Sheriff’s Department.
Security cameras caught him calmly walking into the Park Avenue skyscraper in a sport coat, carrying an M4 assault rifle—the building houses several tenants, including the NFL headquarters on the fifth floor.
The Shooting Unfolds: Four Dead, Several Injured
Tamura opened fire in the lobby of the building, targeting security staff.
One of the victims was Didarul Islam, a 36-year-old father of two who was working private security that evening.
Another guard hiding behind a desk was also shot.
From there, Tamura took an elevator to the 33rd floor, where he killed another individual inside the offices of Rudin Management, which operates the building.
He then turned the weapon on himself.
Although Tamura never reached the NFL’s offices, one league employee was seriously injured during the chaos and was rushed to the hospital.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed the injury in a staff memo and promised increased security measures in the coming weeks.
A Glimpse Into Tamura’s Troubled History
Tamura was once a standout high school football player, earning awards and impressing scouts.
But in recent years, officials say he struggled with documented mental health issues.
Despite these red flags, he was still able to become a licensed private investigator and legally obtain firearms.
Investigators later found more weapons and ammunition in his car, as well as medication and a backpack.
Panic in Midtown: Witnesses Recall the Chaos
As the shots rang out, panic swept through the area.
Office workers fled with their hands in the air, while others barricaded doors with furniture.
Footage from the scene shows frightened employees in business attire fleeing as police swarmed the building.
One witness, Anna Smith, described being caught in the chaos while out grabbing dinner.
“People just started running. We had no idea what was going on,” she said.
Others reported hearing a barrage of rapid gunfire, consistent with a high-capacity weapon.
A City in Mourning: Officer Didarul Islam Remembered as a Hero
Among those killed was Didarul Islam, an NYPD officer working off-duty as a security guard for Rudin Management.
Originally from Bangladesh, Islam was remembered as a man of faith, dedication, and quiet heroism.
Mayor Eric Adams praised him as someone who “loved this city” and “was saving lives.”
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch called him “a hero” who died protecting others.
His colleagues and family described him as a hardworking officer who took pride in his role.
Searching for Answers: Investigation Continues in Two States
Police are still digging into Tamura’s past, reviewing his social media, his Las Vegas home, and collecting evidence from his car.
They recovered a rifle case, revolver, extra ammunition, and prescription meds.
While it appears Tamura acted alone, law enforcement is still investigating whether anyone helped him plan or assisted his cross-country travel.
For now, no accomplices have been identified.
Manhattan on Edge: Security Tightened Around the City
The shooting caused significant disruption in Midtown.
Roads were closed, subway lines were impacted, and major landmarks like Grand Central Terminal and St. Patrick’s Cathedral were temporarily affected.
Photos from the scene showed police in tactical gear, employees sobbing, and widespread confusion.
The entire building went into lockdown as officers methodically searched each floor.
Leaders Speak Out: A City and State Grapple with Tragedy
As details emerged, public officials offered words of comfort and support.
Governor Kathy Hochul expressed sorrow for the four lives lost, calling the violence senseless.
Mayor Adams said the city is mourning with the victims’ families.
Attorney General Letitia James also weighed in, offering prayers and solidarity with the NYPD and all those impacted by the tragedy.
A Day That Changed Everything
What began as a regular day in one of the world’s busiest cities ended with gunfire, grief, and a renewed conversation about mental health, gun access, and CTE in contact sports.
Four lives were lost—including one man remembered as a protector and hero.
And while the investigation is far from over, the heartbreak and horror of that Monday evening will not soon be forgotten.