New York, NY (July 28, 2025) – A devastating shooting at a Manhattan office building left four people dead, including off-duty New York City Police Officer Didarul Islam, and sent shockwaves through the business and sports worlds. The gunman, identified as Shane Tamura, a Las Vegas resident, had planned to target the headquarters of the National Football League (NFL) but tragically ended up in the wrong part of the building, according to New York Mayor Eric Adams.

Tamura, who had a history of mental illness, was reportedly seeking the NFL offices within the 44-story building at 345 Park Avenue, a landmark structure that houses several prominent companies, including the NFL’s headquarters. Investigators believe Tamura was attempting to reach the NFL offices after opening fire in the building’s lobby but mistakenly took the wrong set of elevators, which led him to different floors. The result was a senseless act of violence that left four dead and shocked the city.

A Grievance Against the NFL

The shooter’s motives appear to be tied to a personal grievance with the NFL. A note found on Tamura’s body indicated that he believed he was suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma, such as that sustained in contact sports like football. The note specifically referenced the NFL, which has been at the center of growing concerns over player safety and head injuries.

According to Adams, Tamura’s note expressed his belief that he had been affected by CTE and that his brain should be studied after his death. Although he played high school football in California almost two decades ago, Tamura never participated in the NFL, raising questions about the depth of his mental health struggles and his personal grievances.

The Tragic Events of the Day

The shooting unfolded Monday evening when Tamura, armed with an M4 rifle, exited his vehicle just before 6:30 p.m. and entered the building. Surveillance footage shows him walking across a public plaza before opening fire in the building’s lobby. Tamura’s first victim was an off-duty NYPD officer, Islam, who was working as part of the corporate security detail. Islam was shot dead as Tamura made his way through the lobby, spraying gunfire and hitting several people.

Tamura’s violent rampage continued as he made his way to the elevator banks, where he shot a security guard and another man before taking the elevator to the 33rd floor. There, he killed one more person before turning the gun on himself. Police and security were quick to respond, but the damage had already been done.

Islam, a 36-year-old immigrant from Bangladesh, was hailed as a hero by NYPD officials. His courage in the face of danger made him the ultimate sacrifice. Commissioner Jessica Tisch reflected on his bravery, stating, “He was doing the job that we asked him to do. He put himself in harm’s way. He died as he lived: a hero.”

NFL Response and Security Concerns

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell sent a memo to staff expressing gratitude for the swift law enforcement response and offering condolences to the families affected by the tragedy. He confirmed that one NFL employee had been seriously injured in the attack but was in stable condition. Goodell also assured the public that additional security measures would be implemented at the NFL offices in the coming days.

The league has been a focal point for CTE-related concerns, as former players and their families have fought for recognition of the long-term effects of brain injuries sustained during careers in professional football. This attack, however, underscores a larger issue—security in high-profile office buildings, especially in cities like New York where the financial and business districts attract widespread attention.

Ongoing Investigation

The investigation into Tamura’s background has proven challenging, with few clues to his movements prior to the attack. Investigators are now working closely with federal and state partners in Las Vegas to uncover more about Tamura’s history, including examining his social media profiles and any evidence found at his home.

President Donald Trump, who is familiar with the Manhattan area, offered his thoughts on the tragedy, expressing his confidence in law enforcement’s ability to uncover the motivations behind the attack.

A Grieving City and NFL Community

The shooting has left both New York and the NFL community in mourning. The victims—two employees from Blackstone, an investment firm housed in the same building—were also killed, adding to the tragedy. Blackstone issued a statement honoring Wesley LePatner, one of its employees, as a beloved member of their team who will be deeply missed.

As the investigation continues and security measures are tightened, the memory of those lost in this senseless act of violence will linger in the minds of many, especially the NFL family, as they seek justice and healing in the aftermath.