The Midtown Manhattan Shooting: A Shocking Tragedy Tied to the NFL and CTE
In one of the most heartbreaking events to shake New York City in 2025, a gunman stormed a Midtown Manhattan office building, fatally shooting four people and injuring a fifth. The suspect, identified as 27-year-old Shane Devon Tamura, left behind chilling notes blaming football and CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) for his mental state, specifically calling out the NFL. This tragic incident, which ended with Tamura’s suicide, raises questions about mental health, gun access, and the hidden toll of contact sports.
Who Was Shane Tamura? Tracing the Shooter’s Troubled Path
A Background Marked by Mental Health Struggles
- Tamura, 27, was originally from Nevada.
- He had two recorded Mental Health Crisis Holds: in 2022 and 2024.
- Despite his record, Tamura legally obtained a concealed carry permit (CCW) from Las Vegas Metropolitan Police in 2022.
A Non-Pro Player With Football Trauma?
- Tamura played high school football in Los Angeles.
- Though he never played professionally or in college, he believed he had CTE.
- In his final notes, he accused the NFL of hiding CTE-related dangers.
“Study my brain please. I’m sorry,” read one of Tamura’s handwritten notes, according to police sources.
The Scene: How the Shooting Unfolded at 345 Park Avenue
Timeline of Events
- Monday Morning: Tamura entered NYC via car after a multi-state drive from Nevada.
- Midday: Entered 345 Park Ave., an office tower housing NFL headquarters.
- Mistake That Saved Lives: Tamura took the wrong elevator and ended up on the 33rd floor—home to Rudin Management.
- Gunfire Erupts: He opened fire using a high-powered M4 rifle.
- Fatalities: Four people killed, including:
- A Blackstone executive (wife and mother).
- An NYPD officer, Didarul Islam (father of two, with a third child on the way).
- Final Act: Tamura died by suicide at the scene.
The Weapon and Immediate Response
- Weapon recovered: AR-15-style M4 assault rifle.
- The rifle was covered in blood and consistent with other mass shootings in the U.S.
- One civilian and one officer were critically injured.
What Is CTE and Why Did Tamura Blame the NFL?
Understanding CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy)
CTE is a degenerative brain disease associated with repeated head trauma. It is most commonly linked to:
- Football
- Boxing
- Hockey
- Military service
Symptoms Include:
- Severe mood swings
- Memory loss
- Cognitive confusion
- Aggressive behavior
The Diagnosis Dilemma
- CTE cannot be definitively diagnosed in a living person.
- Tamura claimed to have CTE, despite no confirmed history of traumatic brain injuries.
“It appears as though he was going after the employees at the NFL,” said NYC Mayor Eric Adams.
Government Reactions and Gun Policy Debates Resurface
Hochul Pushes for National Assault Weapons Ban
New York Governor Kathy Hochul didn’t mince words:
“The killer used an AR-15-style assault rifle. The same weapon of war used in mass shootings across America.”
She emphasized:
- NY has strict gun laws.
- The gun was likely acquired in another state.
- Called on Congress to pass a national assault weapons ban.
Flags at Half-Staff
- Hochul ordered state flags lowered in honor of the victims.
President Trump’s Statement
Former President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social:
“My heart is with the families of the four people who were killed, including the NYPD Officer… God Bless New York!”
Victims and Community Impact: Lives Lost and Forever Changed
Known Victims:
- Didarul Islam, NYPD Officer – father, hero, husband.
- Unnamed Blackstone Executive – wife, mother, colleague.
Survivors
- One victim remains in stable condition following surgery.
Witness Accounts
“I texted my parents that I loved them,” one survivor told ABC News.
How Did Tamura Travel to New York Unnoticed?
A Cross-Country Trip
- Traced via license plate readers and highway cameras.
- Left Nevada Saturday, arrived in NYC on Monday.
Lapses in Warning Signs?
- Despite mental health flags and prior arrest for trespassing, no federal database prevented his gun possession.
Media and Public Reactions
A Conversation Reignited
This tragic shooting reignited public debate about:
- Gun laws
- Mental health care access
- The NFL’s responsibility toward brain trauma
Social Media Responds
Hashtags trending:
- #CTEAwareness
- #ManhattanShooting
- #BanAR15
Reflecting on a Nation’s Shared Grief
This shooting is a grim reminder of how untreated mental health issues, easy access to high-powered weapons, and the long-term impacts of head trauma can intersect with tragic results. It’s also a call to action—to reform, to support victims, and to understand the hidden toll behind headlines.
