Manhattan High-Rise Shooting Leaves Five Dead, Including Police Officer

A deadly shooting at a midtown Manhattan office building has left five people dead, including the gunman, in what authorities are calling a tragic act of violence that shook the heart of New York City.

Incident Overview

The shooting occurred at 345 Park Avenue, a high-rise building housing major corporations including Blackstone, KPMG, and NFL headquarters. The attack began around 6:30 p.m. on Monday evening when the gunman opened fire in the building lobby and later on the 33rd floor.

Casualties:

• One NYPD officer killed
• Three civilians killed
• The gunman died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound

The Gunman

Shane Devon Tamura, a 27-year-old from Las Vegas, has been identified as the shooter. Authorities confirmed he acted alone and had a documented mental health history. Tamura recently drove across the country from Nevada to New York before carrying out the attack.

Background Information

• Worked as a surveillance department employee at Caesars’ Horseshoe Center Strip Las Vegas
• Had a Nevada security work card from 2019-2024 that did not authorize firearm carrying
• Played high school football at Granada Hills Charter School in Los Angeles in 2015
• Former teammates described him as quiet, well-mannered, and coachable

Weapons and Evidence

Law enforcement officials revealed that Tamura used a modified Palmetto State Armory PA-15 rifle (AR-15 style) in the attack. Additional weapons found included:

• A loaded Colt Python .357 caliber revolver
• Two cellphones in his vehicle
• An additional weapon discovered in a car parked outside the building

The Note and Possible Motive

A three-page handwritten note was discovered at the scene, providing potential insight into Tamura’s motives:

• Multiple references to CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy), a brain disease caused by head trauma
• Request for his brain to be studied: “CTE study my brain please. I’m sorry”
• References to former Pittsburgh Steelers player Terry Long, who died by suicide in 2005
• Claims against the NFL: “concealed the dangers to our brains to maximize profits. They failed us”
• Warning against opposing the NFL, claiming it will “squash you”

Mayor Eric Adams indicated that authorities believe Tamura may have been targeting the NFL offices located in the building.

The Victims

NYPD Officer Didarul Islam

• Age 36, served with NYPD for 3½ years
• Assigned to the 47th Precinct in the Bronx
• Emigrated from Bangladesh
• Married with two young sons, wife pregnant with third child
• Honored with a dignified transfer from the hospital to the medical examiner’s office

Wesley LePatner

• Blackstone executive and investment professional
• Age 43, mother of three children including a seventh-grader
• Board member of The Heschel School and The Metropolitan Museum of Art
• Active in Jewish philanthropic organizations, led solidarity mission to Israel following October 7, 2023 attacks
• Described by colleagues as brilliant, passionate, and deeply respected

Aland Etienne

• Security officer working at the building
• Member of 32BJ Service Employees International Union
• Remembered as taking his job duties extremely seriously
• Union president called him “a New York hero”

NFL Employee

• One NFL employee was seriously injured but survived
• Currently hospitalized in stable condition
• NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed staff support for the employee and family

Law Enforcement Response

The NYPD and federal partners conducted a comprehensive search of the 47-story building, going floor by floor to ensure no additional threats or explosive devices were present. The investigation involved multiple agencies working to determine the complete motive and timeline of events.

Official Responses

Mayor Eric Adams:

• Ordered flags on all city buildings lowered to half-staff
• Praised Officer Islam for making the ultimate sacrifice while protecting New Yorkers
• Emphasized the ongoing investigation with federal partners

Governor Kathy Hochul:

• Called for Congress to pass a national assault weapons ban
• Noted that despite New York’s strong gun laws, weapons can be obtained in states with weaker regulations
• Condemned the “horrific act of violence”

President Trump:

• Posted condolences on Truth Social, calling it a “senseless act of violence”
• Expressed trust in law enforcement to determine the full motive
• Extended sympathies to families of all victims

Community Impact

The shooting has deeply affected multiple communities:

• The Bangladeshi community rallied around Officer Islam’s family
• Blackstone headquarters closed the day following the incident
• Memorial flowers were placed outside the building
• School communities mourned LePatner’s loss
• Union members received counseling and support services

Ongoing Investigation

Authorities continue investigating several aspects:

• Los Angeles Police Department is examining potential connections to Tamura
• Timeline reconstruction of Tamura’s cross-country journey
• Analysis of the handwritten note and its implications
• Verification of targeting intentions regarding NFL offices

The incident represents one of the most significant workplace shootings in recent New York City history, highlighting ongoing concerns about gun violence, mental health, and security in corporate environments. The investigation remains active as authorities work to understand the complete circumstances that led to this tragedy.

About The Author