A Nevada man armed with an M4 assault rifle stormed a Midtown Manhattan skyscraper Monday evening, killing four people—including a New York police officer—before turning the weapon on himself. Authorities say the rampage may have been fueled by deep resentment toward the National Football League over its handling of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
The shooter, identified as Shane Tamura, 27, left behind a letter railing against the NFL and urging doctors to study his brain.
“Terry Long football gave me CTE and it caused me to drink a gallon of antifreeze,” Tamura wrote, referencing the former Pittsburgh Steeler who took his own life in 2006 after suffering from CTE. “You can’t go against the NFL, they’ll squash you. Study my brain please. I’m sorry. Tell Rick I’m sorry for everything.”
Tamura, a onetime standout high school football player in Nevada, had once been destined for a disciplined, team-driven future. But in recent years, he struggled with mental health issues, according to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch. Despite that history, he legally obtained a concealed carry permit and a private investigator’s license through the Las Vegas Sheriff’s Department.
From Las Vegas to Park Avenue
Investigators say Tamura drove from Las Vegas to New York in his black BMW, passing through Colorado and New Jersey before arriving in Manhattan. Surveillance footage shows him in a sport coat and button-down shirt, carrying the rifle into 345 Park Avenue—the building that houses the NFL’s headquarters—just before 6:30 p.m.
Once inside the lobby, Tamura opened fire. Officer Didarul Islam, 36—a father of two working private security—was shot in the back and killed. Another security guard narrowly escaped after diving for cover.
Tamura then took an elevator to the 33rd floor, entered the offices of Rudin Management, and killed a third victim before fatally shooting himself. While the NFL’s offices are located on the 5th floor and were not directly targeted, Commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed that a league employee was “seriously injured” in the attack.
Scene of Chaos
The bloodied M4 rifle—equipped with a silencer—was recovered near Tamura’s body. Police found additional weapons, ammunition, and medication in his vehicle.
The shooting triggered chaos in Midtown: alarms blared, workers barricaded themselves behind furniture, and heavily armed NYPD units swarmed the building. Witnesses described the sound of “a barrage of automatic fire” as pedestrians fled the area.
Nearby, New York’s Emergency Management issued alerts warning of road closures, transit disruptions, and delays around Grand Central Terminal and St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Hero Officer Remembered
Mayor Eric Adams called Officer Islam “a hero who died as he lived—protecting New Yorkers.” Islam, an immigrant from Bangladesh and a respected member of the NYPD’s 47th Precinct in the Bronx, was remembered as a man of faith, family, and service.
“He put himself in harm’s way and made the ultimate sacrifice—shot in cold blood, wearing a uniform that stood for the promise he made to this city,” Commissioner Tisch said.
Patrick Hendry, president of the Police Benevolent Association, called Islam’s death “devastating” and praised his dedication to both his family and his duty.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities believe Tamura acted alone but are investigating whether anyone assisted him in crossing state lines or gaining entry into the secured building. His social media and personal records are being examined for further evidence of motive.
Governor Kathy Hochul called the massacre “a senseless act of violence that stole four New Yorkers, including one of our finest.” Attorney General Letitia James said she is praying for both the victims and the first responders who ran toward danger.
