UPDATE: In a shocking turn of events, Shane Tamura, the gunman who killed four individuals at a Midtown office building in New York City on July 17, 2023, was found to have an active concealed carry permit despite his documented mental health history. Authorities confirm that Tamura opened fire with an assault rifle, targeting the lobby where the NFL and Blackstone are located, just before 6:30 p.m.
The devastating attack claimed the lives of a security guard, an off-duty NYPD officer, and two female corporate executives. After the rampage, Tamura turned the gun on himself, leaving behind a suicide note that expressed grievances against the NFL and mentioned his struggles with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain disease linked to repeated head trauma.
Mayor Eric Adams stated that Tamura specifically targeted the NFL, highlighting a troubling motive behind the attack. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch revealed that Tamura had undergone two “Mental Health Crisis” holds in Nevada in 2022 and 2024, raising urgent questions about the state’s firearm permitting process.
Tamura obtained his concealed carry permit in 2022, despite being deemed a potential danger due to his mental health issues. Under Nevada law, individuals who have been declared mentally incompetent or admitted into a mental health facility within five years are disqualified from obtaining concealed carry permits. The NYPD has yet to clarify how Tamura was able to secure his permit.
As investigations continue, officials are analyzing Tamura’s background. He had also faced legal troubles in Nevada, including a trespassing arrest that was not prosecuted. Just prior to the shooting, Tamura drove cross-country in a black BMW, arriving at 345 Park Avenue with the assault rifle in plain view.
After the shooting, authorities discovered a rifle case containing ammunition, along with two cell phones, the antidepressant Zoloft, and cannabis inside Tamura’s vehicle. The disturbing note he left behind included a request for his brain to be studied posthumously, echoing the tragic story of former NFL player Terry Long, who also battled CTE.
Police confirm that Tamura acted alone, and there is no ongoing threat to the public. As the investigation deepens, officials urge communities to reflect on the implications of mental health and gun ownership laws.
This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for discussions surrounding mental health and gun safety, as authorities work to understand how such a tragedy could unfold in a secure environment. The city mourns the loss of four lives, and the investigation remains ongoing, with the public awaiting further details.
