A horrifying scene unfolded in Midtown Manhattan Monday evening when Shane D. Tamura, 27, of Las Vegas, opened fire inside a high-rise office building, killing four people—including a police officer—before fatally shooting himself.
Gunfire Begins in the Lobby
According to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, Shane Tamura exited a black BMW and entered the Park Avenue office tower with an M4 rifle. He immediately shot NYPD officer Didarul Islam, who died on the spot. The lobby was soon in chaos.
Victims Include Woman, Security Guard
Tamura then fired on a woman hiding behind a pillar and a security guard taking cover behind a desk. Another man, who was shot in the lobby, gave his statement from NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. The rapid series of gunshots sent shockwaves through the building.
Tamura Takes Elevator to 33rd Floor
Surveillance footage shows Tamura pausing at the elevators, sparing a woman who exited one. He then took the lift to the 33rd floor offices of Rudin Management, shooting another person before turning the weapon on himself.
Eyewitness Reactions: “It Felt Like a War Zone”
One worker said, “I heard loud bangs, people were running. One coworker saw two people shot.” Another witness said, “We looked out the window and saw police cars everywhere. Twitter confirmed there was an active shooter.”
Building Houses NFL, Blackstone Headquarters
The office tower is home to several major corporations including NFL and Blackstone, one of the world’s top investment firms. The NYPD blocked off several city blocks, urging people to stay inside. Helicopters hovered above for hours.
Night Ends With Fear, Questions, and Flashing Lights
Even hours after the incident, residents and workers were unsure if it was safe to leave. Streets remained lit by emergency lights. The attack by Shane Tamura has raised serious questions about building security and urban safety in major cities like New York.
Conclusion: Who Was Shane Tamura, and Why Did He Do It?
The motive behind Shane Tamura’s violent rampage remains unknown. As investigators dig deeper, the city mourns the lives lost and once again faces the difficult question: How do we prevent the next tragedy?
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