Investigations revealed that the former football player, armed with a rifle, intended to target the National Football League (NFL) office but went to the wrong floor. Authorities stated he had been diagnosed with CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy), a condition caused by head injuries. The assailant subsequently took his own life.
The tragedy unfolded on Manhattan on the evening of July 28th, when an armed individual opened fire in a business center housing several major companies. Four people were killed, among them a police officer and Wesley LePatner, an executive director at the investment firm Blackstone. This marks the second high-profile killing in the U.S. within the last year.
The incident took place in a 44-story building, home to major corporations such as Blackstone Inc., KPMG, Rudin Management, and the National Football League (NFL). Surveillance footage showed the man parking a black BMW near the building and proceeding to the entrance, carrying an M4 rifle. In the lobby, he began shooting, killing a police officer, a woman who hid behind a column, a security guard, and another man. The shooter then called an elevator; a woman exited, and he allowed her to pass. He then ascended to the 33rd floor, where Rudin Management`s real estate office is located, and continued firing at anyone in sight before taking his own life with a gunshot to the chest.
Law enforcement identified the shooter as 27-year-old Shane Tamura from Nevada. It was confirmed that he possessed a concealed carry permit issued in Las Vegas. Tamura`s target was reportedly the NFL office, but he mistakenly went to the wrong floor. Authorities stated he had been diagnosed with CTE, a condition stemming from traumatic brain injuries, which ended his football career. According to Bloomberg senior editor Myles Miller, Tamura had accused the NFL on his social media of concealing the dangers of the sport:
He had a handwritten letter in his pocket, stating that it was all about CTE — chronic traumatic encephalopathy, which develops in football players. And this can only be truly studied after death. One needs to examine the brain to see signs of this disease. He believes he suffered such a severe hit while playing high school football that it prompted him to come to NFL headquarters and try to get revenge.
Among the victims were Wesley LePatner, an executive director at the world`s largest investment firm Blackstone; police officer Didarul Islam; a security guard; and a Rudin Management employee. NFL employee Craig Clement sustained severe injuries.
The incident brought Manhattan`s business district to a standstill. The area around Park Avenue was cordoned off, and employees of nearby companies barricaded themselves in their offices. Footage from the scene showed people frantically trying to hide. Some refused to leave their shelters even after an `all clear` signal, fearing a renewed threat, as reported by Bloomberg.
This marks the second such incident in New York this year. In December, Brian Thompson, the head of UnitedHealth Group, the largest private health insurer in the U.S., was fatally shot nearby. At that time, many Americans sided with the shooter; the news was met with approval, and the killer was even hailed as a `folk hero,` with funds raised for his legal defense. Healthcare in the U.S. is traditionally paid. While many Americans have employer-provided insurance, others without good jobs must either go without, relying on chance, or purchase minimal coverage. UnitedHealthcare had faced years of criticism for denying insurance claims.
The current tragedy has not elicited a similar public outpouring of support. International media are questioning how an armed individual managed to gain entry to the building and carry out such a massacre. Miami, Florida attorney Evelina Liebchen comments:
It seems we have developed an immunity to news of this kind. Unfortunately, it happens very frequently in recent years. Of course, it`s all terrible. It appears this was a targeted attack, likely connected to social issues. It`s worth noting that most of these shooters often have some psychological trauma, and later it`s revealed they were on some kind of registry, or were taking something and didn`t take it on time.
Question: The question of the advisability of personal firearm ownership, especially large rifles, is not being raised, is it?
Answer: Rather, it is not being dropped. We have the Second Amendment to the Constitution, guaranteeing everyone the right to own weapons. This amendment is sacred. Opinions are polarized, but I fear they will never reach a common ground. Perhaps there will be some restrictions for people suffering from mental illnesses; possibly, state-by-state laws will be adopted limiting gun ownership. But to restrict gun ownership, I think that is unlikely in the near future. Especially now with Republicans, the conservative majority in power, for them this is a sacred issue.
Authorities have pledged to increase police presence in the city. Blackstone closed its office and announced a general meeting for employees. The firm`s president and CEO described the event as `the worst day in the company`s history.`
Rupert Blackwood 
Clement Ashworth