On July 28, 2025, a normal workday in New York City turned into a nightmare. Midtown Manhattan became the center of national attention after a mass shooting took place inside one of its most important office towers—345 Park Avenue. This building is home to well-known companies like Blackstone, KPMG, and the NFL headquarters. By the end of that day, four people were dead, including an NYPD police officer. Several others were wounded. The gunman was identified as 27-year-old Shane Devon Tamura. He also lost his life, reportedly by suicide.
This is the most detailed account of the events, the people involved, and what the early investigation has revealed about the shooter’s motives and background.
The Morning of the Tragedy
It started as a regular Monday in one of New York’s busiest places. Workers arrived at 345 Park Avenue as usual. The skyscraper is always bustling, with thousands of employees, clients, and visitors moving through its halls. The building’s security is known to be strict, but tragedy proved that even the best preparations are sometimes not enough.
Around 10:15 a.m., gunshots echoed through the upper floors of the building. Panic spread quickly. People barricaded themselves in offices and conference rooms. Some hid under their desks, while others used their phones to call for help or warn co-workers.
The Response: Police and Emergency Actions
As soon as police got word of an active shooter, they rushed to Park Avenue in large numbers. NYPD patrol cars, unmarked vehicles, and SWAT trucks arrived within minutes. The area was quickly closed off. Sirens filled the air. Heavily armed officers entered the building. They went floor by floor, searching for the shooter and trying to get people to safety.
In addition, the fire department and medical teams set up outside the building, ready to treat the wounded. Other buildings nearby were also locked down as a precaution. Traffic ground to a halt on one of New York’s busiest streets. News helicopters hovered above the city. Live coverage began and millions across the country held their breath, waiting for updates.
The Shooter: Who Was Shane Devon Tamura?
Soon after the shooting, police identified the gunman. His name was Shane Devon Tamura. He was 27 years old and originally from Nevada. Officials confirmed that he had recently moved to the New York area. He was found dead on the 33rd floor of 345 Park Avenue, where most of the violence took place.
But who was this man? Why did he launch such a brutal attack? Here’s what we know about his life—and his troubled past.
Tamura’s Background
Shane Tamura grew up in Nevada. People who knew him described him as quiet. He mostly kept to himself. After high school, Tamura worked different jobs. His most recent job, according to police in Las Vegas, was as a security guard at a casino. Yet, there is no known connection between Tamura and anyone in New York, or the companies inside 345 Park Avenue.
Tamura reportedly left Las Vegas earlier in 2025. He seemed to have no close family ties in New York. Neighbors described his arrival as recent and rather secretive. He rarely spoke with anyone and avoided attention.
Mental Health Struggles
Much of the focus after the shooting has been on Tamura’s mental health. Investigators in Nevada confirmed that Tamura had a “documented history” of mental health issues. He suffered from depression and had received counseling before. He was also said to have experienced episodes of paranoia and delusion. This information was shared with New York Police by Nevada law enforcement after the incident.
However, Tamura’s record did not show any violence in the past. There were no known threats against anyone. There was no recent hospitalization or court order stating that Tamura was a danger to himself or others. Many wonder: how did someone with his history still manage to obtain a firearm?
The Gun Used in the Attack
Police say Shane Tamura used a Palmetto State Armory AR-15–style rifle. The weapon fired .223-caliber rounds. This type of rifle has appeared in other mass shootings in the past, which quickly revived debate about gun laws in the city and state.
Law enforcement is still looking into how Tamura acquired the rifle. Early reports suggest he purchased it legally, possibly while living in Nevada. New York has strict gun regulations, but because Tamura had no criminal record or flagged mental health checks in the state, he was not blocked from entering the building with the weapon.
In the Building: Chaos and Heroism
As gunshots rang out in the offices, hundreds of people found themselves in grave danger. Some scrambled to barricade doors with chairs and tables. Others huddled together under desks, emailing loved ones or messaging co-workers to stay quiet and hidden. The building’s alarm systems sounded, and security tried to control the panic.
Amid the chaos, Officer Didarul Islam, a 36-year-old NYPD officer, rushed to the 33rd floor. He did not hesitate. Islam’s actions were praised by city officials as “heroic.” He attempted to stop Tamura, but was shot and killed in the confrontation. Officer Islam’s sacrifice likely saved more lives. He is now being remembered as a hero throughout the city and the NYPD.
Who Were the Victims?
Including Officer Islam, four people lost their lives in the shooting. The other three victims have not yet been publicly named, as their families are still being notified. Several others were wounded, some seriously. Emergency responders acted quickly to transport victims to nearby hospitals. At the scene, coworkers did their best to provide first aid while waiting for help to arrive.
The sudden and random nature of the attack has left many in shock. Friends, family, and co-workers of the victims describe them as dedicated and beloved members of their companies. None had any known connection with Shane Tamura, leading police to believe the attack was random, not targeted.
Inside the Investigation
Once the situation was under control and police confirmed Tamura was dead, investigators began piecing together how and why this tragedy happened. They spent hours inside 345 Park Avenue, collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and searching for any clues about Tamura’s plans.
Digital forensics teams took Tamura’s phone, laptop, and other devices. They searched his social media and email accounts for answers. Police also coordinated with agencies in Nevada and Las Vegas, looking for older records or prior warnings.
So far, investigators have found no signs of a manifesto, letter, or statement from Tamura explaining his actions. There is no evidence he wrote about wanting revenge, held a political or religious motive, or planned the attack for any special reason. Authorities continue to review his communications and background for clues, but official statements say motive remains “unknown.”
Speculation and False Leads
In the hours after the shooting, rumors flew across the internet. Some said Tamura might have targeted the NFL headquarters, which is based inside the building. Others pointed to Blackstone, a large investment firm, as a possible target. None of these stories have been confirmed by police.
Instead, all official sources stress that there is no proven connection between Tamura and the tenants at 345 Park Avenue. The victims appear to have been chosen at random. This, along with Tamura’s history of mental health struggles, leads police to believe his actions had more to do with his personal condition than a plan to attack one company or person.
New York Leaders Respond
In the hours after the shooting, New York’s leaders united in expressing grief and outrage. Mayor Eric Adams visited the crime scene. He called Officer Islam a hero and promised to support the families of all victims. He also said the city will review how such an attack could happen in a supposedly secure building.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch held a press conference. She shared details about the attack and Tamura’s background. She said the NYPD would work closely with the FBI and other agencies to understand what led to this tragedy and how to prevent future attacks.
Many city officials also praised the quick response of the NYPD and emergency services. Their efforts, they said, prevented an even higher number of casualties.
Impact on New York and the Country
The 345 Park Avenue shooting shook New York to its core. For many, it is a reminder that even the safest, most protected spaces may not be safe from random acts of violence. The city is famous for its resilience, but the shock and grief will not quickly fade.
Workers from all across Midtown expressed fear and sorrow in the days after the attack. Many large companies in the area reviewed their security rules. Some encouraged staff to work from home for a few days. Others brought in counselors to help employees cope with feelings of sadness, anxiety, and fear.
Across the country, news of the tragedy spread fast. Conversations immediately began about the need for stronger gun laws, better mental health support, and improved building security. Some called for a review of how people with known mental health struggles are monitored or prevented from accessing weapons.
The Broader Debate: Mental Health and Guns
This shooting, like others before it, has refueled a national debate. Many people are asking hard questions: Should it be harder for people with mental health struggles to buy or keep guns? Are current protection laws enough? How can buildings and companies do more to keep workers safe?
Mental health experts warn against blaming mental illness alone for acts of mass violence. They say most people with mental health issues are not violent. Yet, in Tamura’s case, officials say mental health was the main clue. Still, a complex web of factors likely played a part, including state gun laws, background checks, and the limits of building security.
Gun control advocates say more must be done to limit access to powerful guns like the AR-15. Others stress the need for wider mental health care, regular check-ins for at-risk individuals, and real-time data sharing between states.
A Community in Mourning
Memorials appeared at 345 Park Avenue within hours of the shooting. Flowers, photos, and handwritten letters covered the sidewalk. Vigils were held for Officer Didarul Islam and the other victims. Grieving friends and co-workers gathered to comfort each other, share memories, and try to make sense of what had happened.
Many said New York would recover, as it always does after tragedy. But the scars left by events like this take a long time to heal. The families of those lost and the many people who witnessed the attack will never forget July 28, 2025.
Where Does the Investigation Stand?
As of now, this is what we know:
- The shooter, Shane Devon Tamura, had a history of mental health struggles. He was not on a watchlist in New York.
- He legally bought an AR-15–style rifle, possibly while living in Nevada.
- Tamura opened fire on the 33rd floor of 345 Park Avenue, killing four people, including a police officer, and injuring others.
- Officer Didarul Islam died a hero, confronting the gunman.
- Tamura died by suicide before police could arrest him.
- No manifesto, note, or clear motive has been found.
- Early signs point to Tamura’s personal struggles—not a targeted attack on a company or group.
Police and the FBI are still investigating. They are looking at every detail to learn what, if anything, could have prevented the attack.
What Comes Next for New York?
There are many questions left to answer. How did Tamura bring a gun into a secure building? Could security have done more? Should background checks be improved? Will new laws be passed to address gaps in the system?
New York City has promised to study the shooting and publish recommendations. This could lead to new building safety rules, improved communication between states about people with mental health risks, or tighter gun laws. For now, though, workers and families across Midtown are left to cope with fear, sadness, and loss.
Final Thoughts
The mass shooting at 345 Park Avenue was a tragedy that shocked New York City and the entire country. It showed how vulnerable even the most secure buildings can be to sudden violence. It reminded us of the risks posed by untreated mental illness and easy access to powerful weapons. Most of all, it showed the courage of people like Officer Didarul Islam, who gave their lives trying to protect others.
As the investigation continues, we may learn more about Shane Tamura and why he did what he did. What we know now is enough to spark new calls for action—to keep our cities, our buildings, and our people safe.
