Authorities have linked the motive behind Shane Tamura’s deadly shooting spree at an office building in Manhattan to his belief that he was suffering from CTE, a brain condition often caused by repeated head injuries.
CTE mentioned as likely motive according to Shane Tamura’s final note
According to ESPN, Tamura, a 27-year-old Las Vegas casino worker and former high school football player, killed four people on Monday before turning the gun on himself.
Investigators say Tamura entered 345 Park Avenue armed with an AR-15-style rifle, intending to reach the NFL’s headquarters. However, he mistakenly took the wrong elevator and instead accessed the 33rd floor occupied by the property’s management company.
Tamura left a three-page handwritten note in his wallet explaining his actions. In the note, he expressed regret, asked that his brain be studied for signs of CTE, and accused the NFL of hiding the dangers of brain injuries in football.
He referenced former NFL player Terry Long, who was diagnosed with CTE after his death in 2005 and died by suicide.
CTE stands for chronic traumatic encephalopathy. It is a serious condition caused by repeated hits to the head. It can lead to memory loss, confusion, depression, and violent behaviour.
CTE can only be confirmed after death by studying the brain.
Shane Tamura had been working as a security guard in Las Vegas before failing to report for duty over the weekend.
He drove across the country to New York City and entered the Park Avenue skyscraper around 00:30 (SAST) on Tuesday. Surveillance footage shows him exiting a BMW, walking into the building, and opening fire in the lobby.
He killed four individuals, including off-duty NYPD officer Didarul Islam and real estate executive Wesley LePatner. Two others, Julia Hyman and security officer Aland Etienne, also died.
After reaching the 33rd floor, Tamura killed a final victim before ending his own life.
Police say Tamura intended to reach the fifth to eighth floors, where the NFL offices are located. At the time of the attack, NFL staff were told to shelter in place.
Because Tamura entered the wrong elevator bank, he never reached his apparent target.
New York Mayor Eric Adams confirmed the shooter’s intended target and said Tamura “entered the wrong set of elevator banks.”
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch added that Tamura’s weapon had been assembled using parts obtained with the help of an associate, who has since been identified and will be questioned.
US President Donald Trump shared condolences on social media, calling the act “senseless” and extending sympathies to the victims’ families.
