Tragedy at NFL Headquarters in NYC
The man who opened fire at the Midtown Manhattan office building housing the NFL headquarters may have been specifically targeting the NFL, city officials say. Shane Devon Tamura, 27, drove cross‑country from Las Vegas, laden with an assault‑style rifle and a chilling suicide note blaming the NFL for the alleged brain injury he believed he suffered.
In the worst mass shooting New York City has seen in 25 years, Tamura killed four people—including an off‑duty NYPD officer and a building security guard—and seriously wounded an NFL employee, before taking his own life.
Shooter’s Cross‑Country Journey & Timeline
Tamura’s cross‑country route spanned Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, and New Jersey before culminating at 345 Park Avenue on Monday, July 28, 2025. Security cameras captured him striding into the building calmly with an AR‑15‑style rifle just before 6:30 p.m.
Once inside, he opened fire in the lobby, fatally hitting NYPD Officer Didarul Islam, a security guard, Aland Etienne, and Blackstone executive Wesley LePatner, before attempting to ascend via an elevator. Investigators believe he entered the wrong elevator bank and ended up on the 33rd floor at Rudin Management instead of the NFL offices.
Motive: CTE, The NFL & A Disturbing Note
Police uncovered a three‑page suicide note in Tamura’s possession referring to Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), the degenerative brain disease tied to football injuries. He accused the NFL of concealing concussion risks for profit, asked to have his brain studied, and referenced previous cases of player suicides.
Although Tamura only played high‑school football and never professionally, his note quoted the book League of Denial and named former players diagnosed with CTE. A second page was found in Las Vegas, partially apologizing to his parents.
Victims and Devastated Families
Victims of the shooting included:
- Officer Didarul Islam, 36, an off‑duty NYPD officer and father of two, was described as a devoted public servant.
- Aland Etienne, 46, is a security guard and father to a young son who doesn’t yet know of his father’s death. Colleagues called him a “New York hero.”
- Wesley LePatner, a Blackstone executive, and Julia Hyman, a Rudin Management associate, were both killed as Tamura swept through the building.
An NFL staffer was seriously injured and is currently hospitalized in stable condition.
Reactions from Authorities & the NFL
Mayor Eric Adams confirmed that officials believe Tamura intended to strike the NFL headquarters, but mistakenly reached a different floor due to the elevator bank’s layout.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch revealed Tamura had documented mental health hospitalizations in Nevada in both 2022 and 2024.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell issued a memo offering support to staff, confirming increased security at league offices. Employees were advised to work remotely in the days following.
Security Gaps & Ongoing Investigation
Investigators are questioning an associate of Tamura believed to have supplied parts for the AR‑15‑style rifle. Components of the weapon are being traced through coordination with Las Vegas authorities.
Concern grows over building security design, particularly elevator bank access. Mayor Adams noted that the elevator operator had been shot before he could activate the safeguards.
Broader Implications: Mental Health & Sports Safety
This tragedy has reignited debate over football’s link to CTE and the NFL’s role in recognizing or addressing head trauma. Tamura’s note accuses the league of burying research for profit.
Advocacy groups, veterans, and former athletes have long pressed for reform in both concussion awareness and protective policies. The shooting may intensify pressure for transparency and prevention.
Aftermath & What Comes Next
In New York City, tributes have poured in at the site of the tragedy, as city and state leaders mourn the victims. Calls for gun‑control reform and improved mental health support are gaining momentum.
The medical examiner’s ongoing autopsy—including neuropathology to assess possible CTE—may shed light on Tamura’s claims. The NFL building remains closed pending safety updates. ABC News
Conclusion
This horrific event at 345 Park Avenue claimed four lives and left a community reeling. Shane Tamura’s cross‑country journey, motive rooted in suspected brain trauma, and mistaken targeting of NFL offices add layers of tragedy and complexity.
As authorities unravel whether CTE truly played a role, the incident forces urgent reflection on mental health, sports safety, urban security design, and institutional responsibility.
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