Shooter Blames NFL for Brain Injury in Suicidal Note, Mayor Says/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A gunman killed four people in a Manhattan office tower, leaving behind a note blaming the NFL for brain injuries linked to CTE. The shooter, Shane Tamura, had a history of mental illness and misidentified his target, attacking a different office. Victims included an NYPD officer and a Blackstone executive, sparking increased scrutiny on mental health, gun access, and league responsibility.
NFL-Linked Midtown Shooting + Quick Looks
- Gunman identified as Shane Tamura, 27, from Las Vegas
- Tamura killed four, including NYPD officer and Blackstone executive
- Note blamed NFL for alleged brain injury (CTE)
- Shooter had no NFL career, only high school football experience
- Intended to target NFL offices, but entered Rudin Management’s floor instead
- Used M4 Carbine rifle, carried concealed weapon permit from Las Vegas
- One NFL employee injured, in stable condition
- Additional security ordered at NFL HQ, says Commissioner Goodell
- Shooter drove cross-country, had mental illness history and prescriptions
- Incident raises concerns about CTE, gun policy, and security in corporate spaces
Deep Look: Gunman in NYC Rampage Left Note Blaming NFL for Brain Trauma
NEW YORK (Reuters) — In a chilling act of violence, 27-year-old Shane Tamura opened fire in a Midtown Manhattan skyscraper Monday, killing four people and leaving behind a note blaming the National Football League (NFL) for a debilitating brain disease he claimed to suffer from, known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed the existence of the manifesto on Tuesday, saying Tamura “felt the NFL was responsible for his condition.”
Shooter Misfires on Target
Though Tamura’s intended destination was reportedly the NFL headquarters at 345 Park Avenue, he entered the wrong elevator bank and instead arrived at the offices of Rudin Management, a real estate firm within the same tower. It was there he unleashed the majority of his violence, ultimately killing himself on the 33rd floor after fatally shooting a Rudin employee.
“The note alluded to CTE and blamed the NFL for what he believed was a ruined life,” Adams said in a CBS News interview.
Tamura had never played professional football, though records show he participated in high school sports nearly two decades ago. His note, found in his wallet, claimed football injuries had cut short his career and left him with mental illness and neurological issues.
A Tragic Toll
The attack left a trail of devastation:
- NYPD Officer Didarul Islam, 36, was killed near the building’s entrance. A native of Bangladesh, Islam had been with the force for just three years.
- An executive from private equity giant Blackstone was among those killed.
- Two other individuals, including one woman, also lost their lives.
- A fifth victim, gravely wounded, remains hospitalized in critical condition.
- An NFL employee was also injured and is reportedly in stable condition.
Armed and Dangerous
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said Tamura arrived armed with an M4 Carbine rifle, a semi-automatic weapon popular among civilians. After gunning down Officer Islam, he shot three more people in the lobby, then inexplicably let another woman pass unharmed before continuing to the 33rd floor.
Authorities later found a loaded revolver in Tamura’s double-parked BMW, along with a backpack and multiple prescription medications. A concealed carry permit issued by Las Vegas authorities was also recovered, raising renewed questions about firearm regulations and background checks for mentally ill individuals.
“He acted alone. He drove from Las Vegas to New York and launched this attack after days on the road,” Tisch told reporters.
NFL, Security, and CTE Under Spotlight
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell sent a memo to league staff confirming one employee was injured and promising an “increased security presence” at league offices moving forward. ESPN and the Wall Street Journal both reported the memo cited the heroic actions of law enforcement and urged employees to work remotely for the time being.
The tragedy adds to the ongoing debate around the NFL’s long-standing issues with CTE. Though Tamura was never affiliated with the league, the psychological influence of CTE awareness, combined with his mental health challenges, created a volatile and ultimately deadly mix.
Broader Implications
Tamura’s story is not isolated. It highlights serious societal concerns:
- Access to firearms by the mentally ill
- Unaddressed psychological trauma from youth contact sports
- Security vulnerabilities in high-profile corporate buildings
- Public misinformation about medical conditions like CTE
Though the NFL has paid more than $1 billion in concussion-related settlements to retired players, the shooting draws attention to youth-level football and long-term effects outside of professional ranks.
“They are seeing images of chaos that could have been prevented,” said Sen. Brian Schatz in a related interview about Gaza relief but applicable here — American policy, health, and responsibility are again under scrutiny.
Investigation Continues
New York authorities and federal officials are continuing to investigate Tamura’s movements, digital footprint, and health records. The FBI is reportedly assisting with forensic evaluations of the manifesto and devices recovered from his vehicle.
A memorial for Officer Islam is expected later this week. Blackstone issued a statement mourning its fallen executive, calling the act “a senseless and horrifying tragedy.”
As the NFL resumes business with tighter security and a grieving community, one thing is clear — the ramifications of Tamura’s final act are far-reaching, raising difficult but essential conversations around mental health, violence, and accountability in modern America.
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