A tragic shooting at a Midtown Manhattan skyscraper left five people dead, including a police officer and the gunman, while another victim remains in critical condition, city officials confirmed late Monday.
The violence erupted just after 6:00 p.m. at 345 Park Avenue, a high-profile office tower that houses firms such as Blackstone, KPMG, and the National Football League.
Authorities say the shooter, identified as 38-year-old Shane Tamura of Las Vegas, entered the building with an M-4 rifle and opened fire almost immediately.
“He exited a black BMW with a rifle, entered the building, and without warning shot a police officer before spraying the lobby with bullets,” Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said during a late-night press briefing.
Tamura then ascended to the 33rd floor, where he continued shooting before reportedly turning the weapon on himself. He was later found dead next to his firearm.
According to Tisch, the suspect had driven cross-country from Nevada and arrived in New York earlier that day.
A search of his vehicle revealed a revolver, multiple magazines, ammunition, and medication bearing his name. Authorities said Tamura had a history of mental illness but legally possessed a firearms permit in Nevada.
Mayor Eric Adams confirmed the fallen officer was a 36-year-old Bangladeshi immigrant who had served with distinction.
Alongside him, two other men and one woman were killed. Officials have not released the identities of the other victims.
“We are mourning a true hero tonight,” Adams said.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos as hundreds of police officers, some in tactical gear, flooded the district during rush hour.
Nearby buildings were placed on lockdown, and drones were deployed over Park Avenue as part of the emergency response.
“I was packing up to leave when the announcement came to shelter in place,” said Shad Sakib, an office worker in a neighboring building. “Someone said there was a man with a machine gun. It’s terrifying—this happened right where I usually go for lunch.”
Federal authorities, including the FBI, are assisting in the investigation.
While officials believe Tamura acted alone, the motive remains unknown.
Governor Kathy Hochul said she had been briefed on the incident, while Zohran Mamdani, a leading mayoral candidate, expressed condolences online, writing, “Heartbroken to learn of the horrific shooting in Midtown. Holding the victims, their families, and the NYPD officer in my thoughts.”
According to the Gun Violence Archive, Monday’s attack marks the 254th mass shooting in the United States this year.
Despite frequent tragedies, efforts to reform the nation’s gun laws continue to face significant political resistance.