NEW YORK — A gunman armed with an assault-style rifle opened fire inside a Manhattan skyscraper on Monday evening, killing four people, including a New York City police officer, before turning the weapon on himself, officials confirmed.
The incident unfolded just after 5 p.m. at 345 Park Avenue, a high-rise housing the headquarters of the National Football League (NFL) and major financial firms including Blackstone and KPMG.
Authorities say the gunman, identified as Shane Tamura, 27, a Las Vegas resident with a documented history of mental illness, had recently driven across the country to New York. Police believe he acted alone.
“This was pure evil brought into the heart of our city,” said Patrick Hendry, president of the Police Benevolent Association. “He struck down innocent people and a police officer who was there to protect them.”
Among the victims was Officer Didarul Islam, 36, a Bangladeshi immigrant and father of two, with a third child on the way. He had served in the NYPD for over three years and was working security under a department program placing officers in private commercial buildings.
Mayor Eric Adams described Islam as a “true blue hero,” visibly emotional during his remarks. “He stood between danger and the innocent,” Adams said.
The three other victims included two men and a woman, none of whom were publicly identified as of Tuesday morning. A fifth person, a man, remains in critical condition at Bellevue Hospital.
According to Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, the shooter entered the lobby and began firing, then rode the elevator to the 33rd floor, where he continued the attack inside an office suite belonging to a management company. He later shot himself in the chest and died at the scene.
Preliminary checks of Tamura’s background revealed no major criminal record, but police are continuing to investigate his past and potential motive. “At this time, we don’t know why he came to New York or why he chose this building,” Tisch said.
Eyewitnesses described chaos and fear as gunshots rang out in one of the city’s busiest business districts.
“I saw people screaming, cops rushing in with rifles drawn,” said Russ McGee, 31, who was working out at a gym near the scene. “It was terrifying.”
Kyle Marshall, 38, was working in a nearby Morgan Stanley office when his mother texted him about the shooting. “She sent me the address, and I realised it was right next door,” he told Reuters. “We were locked in for hours.”
The FBI’s New York field office also responded to the scene to support local authorities.
The shooting has reignited debate around mental health and gun access, with city leaders calling for tighter measures to prevent such attacks in densely populated areas.
“This can’t keep happening,” Mayor Adams said. “We owe it to Officer Islam, his family, and every New Yorker to find answers and take action.”
Police are urging anyone with information or video footage to come forward as investigations continue.
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