A typical Monday evening in Midtown Manhattan turned into a nightmare when gunfire erupted inside a prominent Park Avenue skyscraper, leaving four dead—including a police officer—and one critically wounded.
Employees inside the 44-story tower scrambled for safety as the shooter, later identified as 27-year-old Shane Tamura of Las Vegas, opened fire in the lobby before making his way upstairs. Witnesses described frantic scenes as workers barricaded themselves inside conference rooms, some even sending final messages to loved ones.
A Deadly Mistake
Tamura, armed with an AR-15-style rifle, had reportedly traveled cross-country before arriving in New York. Authorities say he intended to target the National Football League’s headquarters but mistakenly entered the wrong elevator bank, ending up on the 33rd floor—home to a real estate firm instead.
Before reaching the elevators, he shot and killed NYPD Officer Didarul Islam, a father of two with a pregnant wife, as well as a security guard and a financial worker. Another victim, an NFL employee, was seriously injured but survived after surgery.
Inside the Panic
As gunfire echoed through the building, terrified employees took desperate measures. Some fled into the streets, while others barricaded doors with furniture. One witness described seeing a wounded man sprinting from the scene, pleading for help.
Meanwhile, Tamura roamed the 33rd floor, firing indiscriminately before ultimately turning the gun on himself. Investigators later recovered a note in which he blamed the NFL for a brain injury, citing CTE—a condition linked to repeated head trauma.
Aftermath and Investigation
Authorities are still piecing together Tamura’s cross-country journey and motives. The attack has reignited discussions about gun violence and mental health, particularly in high-profile urban areas.
For those who survived, the trauma lingers. “Nothing can describe that feeling,” one employee said, recalling the moment she texted her parents, fearing the worst.
As the city grapples with yet another tragedy, questions remain about how such violence could erupt in the heart of Manhattan—and whether anything could have stopped it.
