Gunman in NYC office shooting tried to target NFL headquarters, Mayor Eric Adams says

Law enforcement sources say investigators recovered a three-page rambling note from gunman Shane Tamura’s wallet in which he referenced the brain disease CTE. According to the sources, the note said he wanted to have his brain donated to science so it could studied for the disease.

“He did have a note on him. The note alluded to that he felt he had CTE, a known brain injury for those who participate in contact sports. He appeared to have blamed the NFL for his injury,” Adams said on “CBS Mornings.”

CTE, or chronic traumatic encephalopathy, is caused by repeated trauma to the head. It came into the spotlight in recent years as more high-profile cases have been confirmed.

The 27-year-old from the Las Vegas area, drove cross-country to New York in the days before the shooting, investigators said. The 44-story building at 345 Park Ave. is home to offices for the NFL, as well as Blackstone, KPMG and others. 

Once Tamura got there, Adams said, “He took the wrong elevator bank up to the NFL headquarters. Instead, it took him to Rudin Management, and that is where he carried out additional shootings and took the lives of additional employees.”

Four people, including NYPD Officer Didarul Islam, were killed in the shooting, and another person is hospitalized in critical condition.

President Trump posted on social media saying he was briefed on the shooting and that his heart is with the victims’ families. FBI Director Kash Patel also posted, offering his prayers for the fallen officer.

Adams said the NYPD is sending two teams to Las Vegas to execute a search warrant and investigate the weapons recovered so far.

Meanwhile, bullet holes could be seen in the windows Tuesday, as investigators removed several bags of evidence from the building. Adams said the high-rise has many safeguards, including a button that can freeze the elevators, but the security guard was shot before he could activate it.

“If he was able to get to the button, he could have froze the elevator. But he was assassinated behind the counter as he attempted to hide himself,” the mayor said. 

NFL tells NYC employees to work from home following shooting

An NFL employee was seriously wounded in Monday’s shooting and has been hospitalized in stable condition, according to a message NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell sent to company-wide. 

Goodell told New York employees to work from home Tuesday while the building remains an active crime scene. He also said there would be increased security and grief counselors available. 

“We believe that all of our employees are otherwise safe and accounted for, and the building has nearly been cleared,” the commissioner wrote. “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 Jets head coach Aaron Glenn opened Tuesday’s news conference from training camp by sending thoughts and prayers to everyone affected.

What we know about Shane Tamura’s past

Tamura never played in the NFL, but articles from the Santa Clarita Valley Signal in 2014 show he played high school football in California.

“I just remember that he was a quiet leader, a hard worker, very athletic, gifted. He could run the ball very well,” Tamura’s former football coach Walter Roby said.

Tamura lived in a gated community in Las Vegas, where police have executed a search warrant.

“They’ll be looking at computers, they’ll be looking at phones. Whatever devices they find,” former Las Vegas Police Lt. Randy Sutton said.

Tamura had a concealed carry permit. Sources tell CBS News, in 2022, his background was clean, but not long after, he was involved in two separate mental health incidents.

According to documents obtained by CBS News New York, Tamura refused to show his ID when trying to collect winnings at a casino in 2023. Police say he appeared “agitated” and tried to “grab a security officer.” He was arrested for trespass.

Sources say in June of this year, a tipster contacted police after Tamura bought lots of ammo at a gun show. Officers investigated, but, the source says, found no illegal activity. His permit remained valid.

Using that same permit, the NYPD says Tamura legally purchased a revolver from a Nevada gun store on June 12.

“If you have multiple mental health incidents and you’re buying a lot of ammo, shouldn’t that raise a red flag for law enforcement?” CBS News New York investigator Mahsa Saeidi asked Sutton.

“I would think that would raise a red flag, however it all depends on who is getting the information,” Sutton said. “My point is that there is a breakdown in the mental health aspects concerning law enforcement and getting someone into a care facility.”

What we know about Shane Tamura in NYC shooting

Police say last Sunday, Tamura skipped his shift at the Horseshoe casino in Las Vegas, where he did overnight security. In a statement, a spokesperson said, “Our thoughts are with the victims … We are cooperating with law enforcement.”

Sources say on Monday, a casino coworker purchased part of the assault rifle Tamura later used in the shooting. Detectives are interviewing that associate.

Investigators said Tamura drove from Las Vegas to New York City, where he double-parked his black BMW outside the building on Park Avenue between 51st and 52nd streets. 

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said he exited the vehicle carrying an M4 rifle and walked into the lobby, where he opened fire on Islam and two other victims, believed to be LePatner and Etienne, on the ground floor. 

He then took the elevator to the 33rd floor and shot another victim before shooting himself in the chest, Tisch said. He died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. 

According to law enforcement in Las Vegas, Tamura had a documented mental health history. Police said prescription medications were found in his car, along with a rifle case with rounds, a loaded revolver and more ammunition.

Tisch said the gun used in the shooting “was assembled by Mr. Tamura using a lower receiver purchased by an associate. We have located that associate and others.”

Adams expressed frustration that the gunman was able to get a concealed firearms permit.

“It just makes our challenge — what we have done in the city about removing illegal guns off the streets — we have strong gun laws here, but many of our neighboring states have lax gun laws,” he said. 

Under Nevada law, a person may be banned from owning a gun if they have been declared mentally ill in court or committed to a mental health facility. CBS News New York is working to confirm the details of Tamura’s mental health history.