Manhattan Mourns Victims Of Deadly Midtown Shooting As Investigation Deepens

 

Mourners gathered in Bryant Park on Tuesday evening to honor the four victims killed in Monday’s mass shooting at 345 Park Avenue, a high-rise in Midtown Manhattan. Authorities continue investigating how and why 27-year-old Shane Devon Tamura carried out what is now the deadliest shooting in New York City in over a decade.

Tamura entered the building with an M4-style assault rifle and opened fire, killing four individuals and injuring another before taking his own life.

Remembering the Victims

The victims include:

• Officer Didarul Islam, an off-duty NYPD officer and father of two with a third child on the way. Islam, a Bangladeshi immigrant, was working security at the building when he was killed. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch described him as someone who “served this city with quiet strength and unwavering purpose.”

• Wesley LePatner, an executive at investment firm Blackstone. Remembered as a loving wife, mother, and daughter, LePatner was honored by colleagues and family alike.

• Julia Hyman, a Cornell graduate and associate at Rudin Management, the real estate company that owns the building. Cornell faculty called her “an extraordinary student.”

• Aland Etienne, a security guard whose union called him “a New York hero.” Manny Pastreich of 32BJ SEIU said Etienne’s sacrifice exemplified the courage of security workers citywide.

A fifth victim, an employee of the NFL, remains hospitalized in stable condition. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed that the league’s New York office would remain closed until at least next week.

Vigils and Calls for Reform

At Tuesday’s interfaith vigil, Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams delivered emotional speeches calling for stricter gun control measures.

“We cannot respond to senseless gun laws through vigils,” Adams said. “It must be responded through legislation.”

Hochul described her conversation with Officer Islam’s widow, who asked simply, “Pray for us.”

Ongoing Investigation

Authorities are working to uncover the shooter’s motive. Investigators have traveled to Las Vegas, where Tamura lived, and are reviewing his background. He had a history of mental health concerns and had been placed under psychiatric observation in both 2022 and 2024.

Tamura left notes suggesting he believed he was suffering from CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy), a brain condition linked to repeated head trauma, often associated with contact sports like football. He was reportedly a former competitive football player. The New York City medical examiner’s office will conduct a posthumous examination to determine if CTE was present.

Investigators believe Tamura may have intended to target the NFL offices but took the wrong elevator.

A search of his vehicle revealed additional firearms, ammunition, headphones possibly used for shooting practice, antidepressants, cannabis, and two cellphones. Another handwritten note addressed to his mother expressed feelings of deep personal disappointment.

The weapon used in the attack was assembled using a lower receiver purchased by an associate, raising further concerns about illegal firearm modifications and access.

As the investigation continues, the city remains in mourning, united in grief — and determined to prevent another tragedy like this.