New York: A lone gunman opened fire at an office building in Midtown Manhattan on Monday evening (local time). Five people, including an NYPD officer and the gunman himself, were killed in the shootout. The gunman reportedly died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. One civilian remains in critical condition, according to news reports.
The incident occurred at 345 Park Avenue, home to several high-profile offices such as the National Football League (NFL), Blackstone, and KPMG. New York City Mayor Eric Adams urged the public to avoid the area as police and federal investigators continue their probe.
Who was Shane Tamura?
The man behind the deadly office shooting in Midtown Manhattan has been identified as Shane Tamura, a 27-year-old from Las Vegas. Tamura opened fire inside a skyscraper on Park Avenue on Monday evening, killing four people, including a police officer, before turning the weapon on himself. One civilian remains in critical condition.
Though investigators are still piecing together his background and possible motive, emerging details offer a glimpse into Tamura’s life.
High school football player turns Manhattan shooter
Tamura is believed to have been a former American football player. He reportedly played as a running back for Granada Hills and graduated in 2016. Unconfirmed reports suggest that he had ambitions of playing professionally but may have failed to secure a spot in the National Football League (NFL).
This detail has led to speculation that frustration over an unsuccessful sporting career may have played a role in the choice of target. 345 Park Avenue houses the NFL’s headquarters. However, no motive has been officially confirmed by police so far.
Palmetto State Armory AR-15-style rifle used
Tamura was said to have held a concealed carry permit issued in Nevada for the weapon used in the shooting. A ‘concealed carry permit’ is a legal document that authorises an individual to carry a concealed handgun. During the attack, he was reportedly armed with a Palmetto State Armory AR-15-style rifle, which fires .223 calibre rounds. The weapon, which costs around $420, is a semi-automatic firearm commonly available in the United States. He is also believed to have been wearing a bulletproof vest at the time of the shooting.
The shooter’s final moments detailed
The shooting began shortly before 6:30 p.m. local time. Authorities arrived soon after. According to the police, Tamura moved through the building before killing himself on the 33rd floor. Investigations are going on. Law enforcement agencies, including the NYPD and FBI, are examining the shooter’s online activity and background for clues and possible motive.
While much remains unknown, the shocking incident has raised fresh questions about gun access, mental health, and security in public buildings.