NYC Skyscraper Shooting: 'Hero' Officer Among Four Killed

A horrific shooting incident unfolded on Monday, July 28, 2025, in a bustling Midtown Manhattan skyscraper, leaving four people dead, including an off-duty New York Police Department (NYPD) officer hailed as a "hero," and one person critically injured. The lone gunman, identified as Shane Devon Tamura, 27, of Las Vegas, opened fire with a rifle in the lobby of the building before taking his own life. The high-rise at 345 Park Avenue houses the headquarters of the NFL and offices for major firms like Blackstone and Rudin Management, thrusting the financial district into chaos during evening rush hour.
The slain officer, Didarul Islam, 36, an immigrant from Bangladesh and a father of two with a pregnant wife, was working a private security detail in his uniform at the time of the attack. According to Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, Officer Islam was the first victim of the rampage, shot moments after Tamura exited a double-parked black BMW outside the building with an M4 rifle. Mayor Eric Adams, in a heartfelt tribute, stated that Officer Islam "died as he lived, a hero and protector of New York City," emphasizing that he "put himself in harm's way" and "made the ultimate sacrifice." The NYPD, along with city officials, has expressed profound grief over his loss, highlighting the inherent risks faced by law enforcement officers daily.
Beyond Officer Islam, the other three victims have been identified as Wesley LePatner, an executive at the investment firm Blackstone; Aland Etienne, a 46-year-old unarmed security guard; and Julia Hyman, a 27-year-old associate at Rudin Management. Initial investigations suggest that Tamura's primary target may have been the NFL's headquarters, but he reportedly took a wrong elevator, leading him to the 33rd floor where Rudin Management is located. Surveillance video pieced together by investigators shows Tamura entering the lobby, firing indiscriminately, then making his way to the elevator bank. After shooting the security guard, he allowed a woman to exit an elevator unharmed before taking it upstairs.
The timeline of the attack was remarkably swift, with the entire sequence of events, from Tamura entering the building to him taking his own life, occurring within approximately five minutes. 911 calls flooded emergency dispatchers around 6:30 PM, detailing an active shooter situation. Within minutes, tactical police units swarmed the area, leading to the eventual confirmation that the shooter had been "neutralized."
The motive behind Tamura's horrific actions is still under extensive investigation, but preliminary findings have shed some light on his state of mind. Authorities revealed that Tamura had driven cross-country from Las Vegas, arriving in New York on Monday afternoon. A note found in his wallet reportedly suggested he suffered from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain condition associated with repeated head injuries, and he appeared to blame the National Football League for his mental health issues. This potential link has added another layer of complexity to the tragic event, raising questions about mental health and the impact of sports-related brain injuries.
The incident has sent shockwaves through New York City and beyond, prompting renewed discussions about gun control, mental health support, and security measures in public and private spaces. The FBI is assisting the NYPD in the ongoing investigation, scrutinizing Tamura's background and movements leading up to the shooting. Flags across the city have been lowered to half-staff in remembrance of the victims, and vigils have been held to honor those who lost their lives. The bravery of Officer Didarul Islam and the other victims, particularly the security guard Aland Etienne who attempted to take cover, has been widely acknowledged, standing as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by individuals in the face of senseless violence. The city continues to mourn as it grapples with the aftermath of this devastating attack.
Source@BBC