A tragic mass shooting shook Midtown Manhattan on Monday evening as a gunman opened fire inside 345 Park Avenue, a prominent office tower that houses the National Football League (NFL), Blackstone, and other major firms. Four individuals were killed before the shooter took his own life, according to the New York Police Department.
Timeline of the Incident
At approximately 6:30 PM, 27-year-old Shane Tamura, armed with an M4 assault rifle, entered the building’s lobby and began shooting. The chaos quickly escalated to upper floors, with the attacker reaching the 33rd floor, where Rudin Management — the building’s owner — is headquartered.
Victims Identified
Among the victims were:
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Didarul Islam, a 36-year-old off-duty NYPD officer and father of two, who was providing additional building security.
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Wesley LePatner, a senior executive at Blackstone and one of the firm’s most prominent female leaders.
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Two other victims whose identities have not yet been disclosed.
The gunman, Tamura, ultimately died by suicide.
One NFL employee was injured in the shooting and is currently in stable condition, according to a league statement.
Shooter’s Motive and Background
New York City Mayor Eric Adams revealed that evidence found on Tamura pointed to the NFL as a potential target, including a letter referencing the league and concerns about head injuries — a long-debated issue in professional football.
Authorities confirmed Tamura had a documented history of mental illness and had driven cross-country from Las Vegas before launching the attack. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated the gunman entered the lobby and immediately began shooting, targeting both private security and civilians before heading to the upper floors.
National and Corporate Reactions
Former U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged the incident on his social media platform Truth Social, stating, “I trust our Law Enforcement Agencies to get to the bottom of why this crazed lunatic committed such a senseless act of violence.”
Blackstone, which occupies nearly half of 345 Park Avenue, mourned the loss of LePatner, calling her “brilliant, passionate, warm, and deeply respected.” Employees were instructed to shelter in place for over an hour until police secured the area.
KPMG, another major tenant in the building, also issued internal alerts and safety instructions to staff, urging them to remain calm and hidden.
A City on Edge
The incident is the second high-profile violent act to rattle New York’s business district in less than a year, following the fatal shooting of UnitedHealth executive Brian Thompson in Midtown last year.
Rudin Management, the building’s owner and one of New York’s most established real estate firms, has not yet issued a public comment.
As investigations continue, questions remain about security protocols in New York’s commercial centers and the broader mental health crisis. The NYPD is expected to release further details after completing their internal review and forensic analysis.
