Manhattan Shooting Suspect’s Note Cites CTE and NFL: What We Know

A tragic mass shooting at 345 Park Ave. in Midtown Manhattan left four people dead and one critically injured. The suspect, identified as 27-year-old Shane Tamura, reportedly carried a note claiming he suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and referencing the NFL, whose headquarters are located in the same building.

What Happened in the Manhattan Shooting?

The shooting occurred at 345 Park Ave., a prominent office building housing the NFL’s headquarters and other businesses, including Rudin Management. According to police sources, Tamura entered the building, took an elevator to the 33rd floor, and carried out the attack at Rudin Management’s offices, not the NFL’s. He fatally shot four individuals, including NYPD officer Didarul Islam, and wounded a fifth person who is now in stable condition after surgery. Tamura then died by suicide.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams noted that Tamura appeared to blame the NFL for his condition, as mentioned in a note found in his pocket. The note also requested that his brain be studied for CTE, a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma.

Key Details of the Incident

  • Location: 345 Park Ave., Midtown Manhattan

  • Date: July 29, 2025

  • Casualties: Four killed, one injured

  • Suspect: Shane Tamura, 27, died by suicide

  • Connection to NFL: Note referenced NFL and CTE

Who Was Shane Tamura?

Shane Tamura had a documented history of mental health issues. Law enforcement sources revealed that he had two Mental Health Crisis Holds in Nevada, one in 2022 and another in 2024. These holds allow authorities to detain individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others for up to 72 hours. Additionally, Tamura obtained a concealed carry license (CCW) in Nevada in 2022 and had a prior arrest for trespassing.

Suspect’s Background

  • Mental Health: Two crisis holds in Nevada (2022, 2024)

  • Legal History: Arrest for trespassing; held a concealed carry license

  • Note Content: Claimed CTE, requested brain study, mentioned NFL

What Is CTE and Its Connection to the NFL?

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive brain disease associated with repeated head trauma, commonly seen in athletes like football players, hockey players, and boxers, as well as military veterans. Symptoms include memory loss, mood swings, confusion, and cognitive difficulties, often appearing years after the initial trauma. CTE can only be definitively diagnosed post-mortem through an autopsy that examines the brain for tau protein changes.

The NFL has faced significant scrutiny over CTE due to the high incidence of head injuries in football. High-profile cases of former players diagnosed with CTE have raised awareness about the long-term risks of concussions and repetitive hits. Tamura’s note suggesting a connection to the NFL highlights ongoing concerns about the league’s responsibility in addressing player safety and brain health.

Understanding CTE

  • Cause: Repeated head trauma

  • Symptoms: Memory loss, mood changes, confusion, cognitive decline

  • Diagnosis: Confirmed only through post-mortem brain analysis

  • Relevance to NFL: Linked to football-related concussions

Mayor Adams’ Statement and Investigation Updates

Mayor Eric Adams addressed the shooting, stating that Tamura likely intended to target the NFL headquarters but mistakenly ended up at Rudin Management’s offices. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities examining Tamura’s motives, mental health history, and the note’s contents. The surviving victim, who was critically injured, is now stable, providing some relief amid the tragedy.