Five Dead in Midtown Manhattan Skyscraper Shooting

New York City experienced a tragic mass shooting on July 28, 2025, when a gunman opened fire inside a Midtown Manhattan skyscraper, resulting in the deaths of four civilians and an NYPD officer, along with the assailant. The incident, which prompted a massive emergency response, occurred at 345 Park Avenue, a prominent building housing the headquarters of the National Football League (NFL) and offices for major firms like Blackstone and KPMG. An initial, unconfirmed report from "Viral News NYC" on August 18, 2025, vaguely stated, > "Possibly multiple dead."

The deceased victims have been identified as NYPD Officer Didarul Islam, Blackstone executive Wesley LePatner, security guard Aland Etienne, and Julia Hyman. Officer Islam, 36, was a three-and-a-half-year veteran of the force, leaving behind a wife and two young sons. One additional male victim was critically injured but survived the attack.

The gunman, identified as 27-year-old Shane Tamura of Las Vegas, entered the building armed with an AR-15 style rifle. Surveillance footage showed Tamura immediately opening fire on an NYPD officer in the lobby before continuing his rampage. He later took an elevator to the 33rd floor, where he fatally shot Hyman before taking his own life.

Authorities found over 800 rounds of live ammunition in Tamura's vehicle, a BMW he drove cross-country from Las Vegas. Investigators are probing the motive behind the attack, with reports indicating Tamura left suicide notes blaming the NFL for a brain injury, suggesting a possible targeted attack on the league's headquarters. Law enforcement partners in Las Vegas noted Tamura had a documented mental health history.

The New York Police Department, led by Commissioner Jessica Tisch and Mayor Eric Adams, quickly secured the scene, confirming that the shooter acted alone and there was no ongoing threat. The incident prompted city-wide alerts and road closures, highlighting the significant impact on the bustling Midtown area. The city is now mourning the lives lost and grappling with the implications of such a violent act in a major commercial hub.