Gunman in NYC skyscraper shooting targeted NFL, mayor says

Written July 29, 2025, 18:00 EDT

A deadly shooting at a Manhattan skyscraper left multiple people dead and others injured, as investigators now reveal the suspect may have intended to target the National Football League (NFL) headquarters. The gunman, identified as Shane Tamura, reportedly entered the wrong elevator bank and mistakenly ended up on a different floor, city officials said.

Suspect believed NFL was responsible for his suffering

According to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, the shooting suspect had expressed anger toward the NFL and blamed the league for his mental and physical health struggles. Adams appeared on Good Day New York on Fox 5 and explained that Tamura mistakenly took the wrong elevator bank, leading him to a floor housing offices for Rudin Management, a real estate company.

“He seemed to have blamed the NFL,” Adams stated. “The NFL headquarters was located in the building, and he mistakenly went up the wrong elevator bank.”

Investigators say Tamura, a former high school football player, may have suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain condition often linked to repeated head trauma, common among athletes in contact sports like football. A note found near Tamura’s body made reference to his grievances and is now being treated as a potential suicide note.

The New York Post was the first to report the existence of the note, which is currently under review by authorities.

Building safety protocols likely saved lives

Mayor Adams praised Rudin Management for its preparedness and active shooter drills, which he said likely saved lives during the chaos.

“Rudin Management did their job of clearly having those active shooter drills, and the staffers were able to utilize safe rooms,” he said. “It played a great role in saving lives.”

Tamura entered the 345 Park Avenue building on Monday evening and opened fire on the 33rd floor, where he fatally shot multiple individuals. Although the NFL’s offices are located in the same building, they are situated on the fifth floor—now believed to be Tamura’s intended destination.

Victims and injuries

One NFL employee was critically injured in the shooting. In a message to staff obtained by Fox News Digital, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed that the injured employee was hospitalized and in stable condition. He emphasized that all other employees were safe and accounted for, and urged staff to remain alert to updates.

“A gunman committed an unspeakable act of violence in our building at 345 Park Avenue,” Goodell wrote. “One of our employees was seriously injured in this attack. He is currently in the hospital and in stable condition. NFL staff are at the hospital supporting his family.”

Goodell also stated that the NFL was cooperating fully with law enforcement and was closely monitoring the evolving investigation.

Shooter’s background and timeline

Shane Tamura, who grew up in California, was a former football player at Granada Hills Charter High School in the Los Angeles area. Authorities say he had a documented history of mental health challenges.

According to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, Tamura drove across the country to New York City. His vehicle was last seen in Columbia, New Jersey, at around 4:24 p.m. ET—just hours before the shooting occurred.

It remains unclear exactly how Tamura gained access to the high-rise building. The NYPD is continuing to investigate the route he took through the building and whether he scouted the area in advance.

Mental health and CTE concerns

While the official medical evaluation has not yet confirmed CTE, references in Tamura’s note and statements from city officials suggest he believed he was suffering from the disease. CTE has been a growing concern in professional and amateur football circles, with ongoing debates about the NFL’s responsibility for long-term player health.

CTE can only be definitively diagnosed post-mortem, but its symptoms—such as mood swings, depression, and cognitive decline—have been widely documented. Several former NFL players diagnosed with CTE posthumously were known to have experienced mental health issues and, in some tragic cases, committed acts of violence.

Security response and ongoing investigation

The NYPD, along with federal law enforcement agencies, is continuing its investigation into Tamura’s actions, motives, and travel history. Police have not ruled out the possibility that the attack was premeditated and intended as a final act tied to his grievances.

The 345 Park Avenue building was temporarily evacuated following the shooting, and security protocols were immediately activated. As of Tuesday evening, the building has been cleared and reopened, though some tenants continue to operate remotely during the ongoing investigation.

City officials are urging anyone with information related to the incident to contact the NYPD’s tip line. The FBI has also joined the investigation to determine if the case meets criteria for domestic terrorism or a federal offense.

NFL’s response and support for employees

The NFL has since increased security at its headquarters and other regional offices and is providing mental health support to employees. A statement from the league emphasized its commitment to employee safety and trauma counseling.

“This has been a deeply disturbing incident for our entire NFL family,” the league said. “We are working closely with law enforcement and providing counseling and support to those impacted.”

Looking ahead: a renewed focus on safety

The incident has sparked renewed concerns about workplace safety, mental health, and building security in major urban centers. Officials have reiterated the importance of routine active shooter drills and access to mental health resources—both for preventing future tragedies and protecting workers in high-risk environments.

Mayor Adams urged New Yorkers to remain vigilant and supportive of each other as the city continues to investigate and heal from the traumatic event.