Midtown Manhattan Shooting: New York City is mourning the victims of one of its deadliest workplace shootings in decades, after a gunman opened fire at a Midtown Manhattan skyscraper housing the National Football League (NFL) and major financial firms. The attack left five people dead, including a New York police officer, a top real estate executive, a security guard, a young professional, and the shooter himself.
The incident occurred around 6pm on Monday, 28 July, at 345 Park Avenue in the heart of Manhattan. According to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, the shooting is still under active investigation, with authorities seeking clarity on the attacker’s motivation.
What do we know about the shooter, Shane Tamura?
Officials have confirmed that the shooter, identified as 27-year-old Shane Tamura of Las Vegas, had intended to target the NFL headquarters but took the wrong elevator. Instead of reaching his intended target, he ended up on a different floor, where he opened fire.
Tamura, who had a documented history of mental illness, carried out the rampage wearing body armour and armed with an M4-style rifle. After killing four individuals and critically injuring another, he turned the weapon on himself. Police later recovered additional firearms, ammunition, and psychiatric medication from his vehicle.
Who was Wesley LePatner? Blackstone Inc. among five dead
Among the victims was Wesley LePatner, 43, a senior executive at Blackstone Inc., where she led the firm’s $53 billion Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust (BREIT). LePatner was also Global Head of Core+ Real Estate at the firm. She was widely respected in the business world for her sharp intellect, calm leadership, and mentorship of women in finance.
Blackstone mourned her death in a statement: “Wesley was a beloved member of the Blackstone family and will be deeply missed. Words cannot express the devastation we feel.” She is survived by her husband, Evan, and two young children.
All about NYPD officer Didarul Islam, killed in shooting
Didarul Islam, a 36-year-old off-duty NYPD officer originally from Bangladesh, was providing private security at the building when the gunfire began. Assigned to the 47th Precinct in the Bronx, Islam is remembered as a devoted husband, father, and public servant.
Mayor Eric Adams confirmed that Islam’s wife is expecting their third child. “He died doing what we ask our officers to do every day—that is, protect others,” said NYPD Commissioner Tisch. “He will be remembered as a true hero.”
Who was Aland Etienne? Security officer killed in NYC shooting
Aland Etienne, a professional security officer and union member with 32BJ SEIU, was also killed in the shooting. He was remembered by the union president, Manny Pastreich, as someone who “took his job duties extremely seriously.”
Etienne had been stationed at 345 Park Avenue during the attack. “We extend our deep condolences to the families and friends who lost loved ones, including our own Aland,” said Pastreich.
Who was Julia Hyman? Cornell University grad among the dead
The youngest victim, Julia Hyman, 27, was an associate at Rudin Management and a 2020 graduate of Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration. She had recently joined the firm and worked on the 33rd floor, where the shooter mistakenly arrived.
Julia was remembered as bright, warm, and full of promise. “Her energy was contagious, and her potential was limitless,” said a Cornell professor in a tribute.
The New York officials have vowed a thorough investigation and stronger measures to secure public spaces. “We were minutes away from an even bigger tragedy,” said Mayor Adams.