Tragedy Strikes New York: Five Dead, Including Police Officer, in Manhattan Skyscraper Shooting

A deadly shooting shattered the evening calm in Midtown Manhattan as a gunman opened fire inside one of the city’s most prominent skyscrapers, leaving five people dead — including a police officer — and another person critically injured.

The Shooter and the Scene

The assailant was identified as 27-year-old Shane Devon Tamura, originally from Hawaii but most recently a resident of Las Vegas. Tamura entered 345 Park Avenue—an address known for housing the headquarters of the National Football League (NFL) as well as major financial firms like Blackstone and KPMG—during the busy evening rush hour.

Armed with an M4-style rifle, Tamura began firing indiscriminately as soon as he entered the lobby, according to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch.

Surveillance footage revealed Tamura moving through the building in sunglasses, a blue jacket, black trousers, and sneakers. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as shots rang out and people scrambled for safety.

The Timeline of Violence

Tamura’s attack started in the lobby, where he killed three people almost instantly. He then took the elevator to the 33rd floor, where officers later discovered the bodies of a woman and Tamura himself. Authorities said Tamura died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest, bringing the total death toll to five, including the shooter.

Another man, gravely wounded by the gunfire, was rushed to a nearby hospital and remains in critical condition.

Victims and Their Stories

Among those killed was Officer Didarul Islam, a 36-year-old NYPD officer and father of two, whose wife is currently expecting their third child.

Officer Islam immigrated to the United States from Bangladesh and had served with the NYPD for over three years.

At the time of the shooting, he was on duty as part of a special security program that places uniformed officers in commercial buildings. Mayor Eric Adams described Officer Islam as a “true blue hero” who gave his life protecting others.

Details about the other victims, two men and one woman, have not yet been released by authorities.

The Investigation

According to Commissioner Tisch, Tamura had a documented history of mental health issues, with police in Las Vegas confirming previous incidents. However, the precise motive behind the attack remains unknown. Investigators believe Tamura traveled across the country by car in the days leading up to the shooting.

Tamura did not have a serious criminal record. He possessed a concealed-carry handgun license in Nevada and had previously held a private investigator license that had since expired.

After the attack, police located Tamura’s BMW, which had been double-parked near the scene. Inside the vehicle, they found a rifle case containing more ammunition, a handgun, and prescription medication.

Aftermath and Response

The shooting brought a massive law enforcement presence to the heart of Manhattan. NYPD and FBI agents swiftly locked down the area around the skyscraper.

Employees in neighboring buildings were ordered to shelter in place, some remaining inside until late in the evening. Witnesses described hearing gunshots, followed by sirens and a rapid influx of police.

“I just saw a lot of commotion and cops and people screaming,” said Russ McGee, who was working out at a gym adjacent to the tower when the attack began.

Kyle Marshall, an employee at a nearby Morgan Stanley office, recalled receiving a text from his mother alerting him to the shooting. “When she texted me the address, I realized it was right next door,” he said.

Unanswered Questions

While the city mourns the lives lost and honors the bravery of its first responders, the investigation is still ongoing.

Authorities are working to piece together Tamura’s movements, motivations, and possible connections to the location. For now, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of violence — even in the safest and most secure corners of New York.