A devastating shooting incident occurred in a Midtown Manhattan office building, resulting in the deaths of five people, including the gunman. The attack took place at 345 Park Avenue, a skyscraper that houses several major corporations, including hedge fund giant Blackstone, auditor KPMG, and the National Football League. According to authorities, the gunman, identified as 27-year-old Shane Tamura from Las Vegas, entered the building around 6 p.m. local time, armed with an M4 rifle.
Tamura immediately opened fire on a police officer in the lobby and then sprayed the area with bullets, killing four people, including the officer, Didarul Islam, a 36-year-old immigrant from Bangladesh who was married with two young boys and expecting a third child. The victims also included Wesley LePatner, a senior managing director at Blackstone. Another male victim remains in critical condition at the hospital.
The gunman, who had a history of mental health issues, took an elevator to the 33rd floor, where he continued his shooting spree before apparently taking his own life. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated that Tamura acted alone, but investigations are ongoing with the help of the FBI. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with New York Mayor Eric Adams expressing his condolences to the families of the victims. Governor Kathy Hochul has also been briefed on the situation. The area, known for its luxury hotels and corporate offices, was swarmed by police officers, who deployed drones and heavily armed personnel to secure the scene.
