...
By Khaleda Rahman
National Correspondent
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
The gunman who opened fire inside a New York City skyscraper that is home to the NFL's headquarters on Monday reportedly left a suicide note saying he suffered from Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and wanted his brain to be studied.
The Context
The shooting took place in a Manhattan skyscraper where the headquarters of both the NFL and Blackstone, one of the world's largest investment firms, are located.
Read More on U.S.
Authorities said the gunman, identified as 27-year-old Shane Devon Tamura of Las Vegas, killed four people, including New York City police officer Didarul Islam, and wounded a fifth. The gunman died by suicide, officials said.
...
What To Know
A suicide note was discovered in the suspect's back pocket that said he suffered from CTE, CNN reported, citing an unnamed source with knowledge of the investigation.
The degenerative brain disease has been linked to repeated trauma to the head, including concussions, common in contact sports like football. Symptoms can be used to diagnose suspected CTE in the living, but can only be confirmed through a post-mortem examination of the brain because it requires examination of brain tissue.
Football "gave me CTE and it caused me to drink a gallon of antifreeze," the note read, according to CNN. "You can't go against the NFL, they'll squash you."
The note also asked for the suspect's brain to be studied, according to CNN, which said Tamura was a competitive football player in his youth.
Newsweek has contacted the NFL for further comment via emails sent outside regular business hours.
In a message to employees and provided to Newsweek early on Tuesday, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said the gunman committed "an unspeakable act of violence in our building."
He said: "One of our employees was seriously injured in this attack. He is currently in the hospital and in stable condition. NFL staff are at the hospital and we are supporting his family. We believe that all of our employees are otherwise safe and accounted for, and the beiling has nearly been cleared."
At a news conference on Monday, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said Tamura had a "documented mental health history" and that his motive remains under investigation.
What People Are Saying
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said during a news conference on Monday: "According to our law enforcement partners in Las Vegas, Mr. Tamura has a documented mental health history. His motives are still under investigation and we are working to understand why he targeted this particular location."
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in the message to employees: "We are deeply grateful to the law enforcement officers who responded to this threat quickly and decisively and to Officer Islam, who gave his life to protect others."
New York Governor Kathy Hochul said in a post on X: "Tonight we mourn four New Yorkers, including one of New York's Finest, taken in a senseless act of violence. Our hearts are with their loved ones and everyone affected by this tragedy, and we honor the first responders who bravely ran toward danger."
...
What Happens Next
The investigation into the shooting and the gunman's motive is ongoing.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text "988" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org.
Update 7/29/25, 5:37 a.m. ET: A photograph of Shane Devon Tamura has been added.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines