NYC active shooting: Shooter Identified as Shane Devon Tamura

A comprehensive overview of the July 28, 2025 Midtown Manhattan shooting at 345 Park Avenue
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Published: Jul 29, 2025 - 02:35
NYC active shooting: Shooter Identified as Shane Devon Tamura

On the evening of July 28, 2025, a deadly shooting unfolded in Midtown Manhattan, inside the 44‑story office tower at 345 Park Avenue, where major firms like Blackstone and the NFL maintain headquarters. The gunman, later identified as Shane Devon Tamura, opened fire with an assault rifle, killing at least five people—including an NYPD officer—and injuring others, before taking his own life. This article outlines what is publicly known about the incident, the suspect, and the aftermath in clear, structured sections.

What Happened in the Shooting

The incident occurred at roughly 6:30 p.m. during rush hour in the lobby of the 44‑story skyscraper on Park Avenue between East 51st and 52nd Streets. Witnesses described what sounded like rapid automatic fire, prompting chaos as employees and visitors ran, some barricading office doors with furniture inside the building. Emergency crews arrived swiftly while police evacuated the building and secured surrounding blocks, issuing shelter-in-place alerts and shutting down nearby streets and transit lines.
 • 5 confirmed fatalities including an NYPD officer on a paid detail
 • Multiple civilians injured
 • Building occupant barricades and a large-scale evacuation
 • Heavy law enforcement and emergency response

Victims and Casualties

At least five people lost their lives, including a 47th Precinct NYPD officer working a paid detail for Rudin Properties, who leaves behind a pregnant wife. Four civilians were also killed, while several others sustained injuries. Authorities have not released identities or conditions of the surviving victims at this time.
 • NYPD officer killed in the line of duty
 • Four civilian fatalities
 • Several individuals injured; some critical

Identification of the Suspect

The shooter was soon identified as 27‑year‑old Shane Devon Tamura, a Las Vegas resident, found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound on the 33rd floor stairwell or office area of the building. A concealed carry permit issued in July 2022 by Las Vegas bearing his name and photo was recovered at the scene, confirming his identity. A vehicle registered to him in Nevada, with a rifle case inside, was found on site.

Weapon Involved

Tamura was armed with a Palmetto State Armory AR‑15‑style rifle, .223 calibre, equipped with a black scope, green handguard, and a 30‑round magazine. The rifle was found blood‑stained on the 33rd floor after the shooting ended; witnesses described the sound as a “barrage” echoing in the lobby and hallways.
 • AR‑15 type rifle, .223 calibre
 • Equipped with scope and extended magazine
 • Blood‑smeared weapon recovered at the scene

Background and Personal History of Temura

Temura was previously employed as a casino security guard in Las Vegas and held a valid concealed firearms permit that was set to expire in 2027. Although law enforcement has not disclosed extensive details about his background, no established motive has been identified so far. Authorities are exploring whether personal or ideological factors played a role.
 • Worked in security sector in Las Vegas
 • Licensed to carry concealed firearms
 • No clear motive identified yet

Police and Federal Response

The NYPD, along with the FBI and bomb squad, responded rapidly. Helicopters, drones, canine units, and tactical teams were deployed as the building was locked down and a perimeter established. The area—including streets around Park Avenue—was cordoned off, and shelter‑in‑place orders were issued for occupants still inside. Mayor Eric Adams and NYPD leadership briefed the public, urging caution and control of pedestrian and vehicular traffic in the vicinity.
 • NYPD Special Operations and local precinct teams engaged
 • FBI and bomb squad assisted
 • Aerial, ground, and canine support used

Building Details and Location

The shooting occurred at 345 Park Avenue, a high-rise office tower in Midtown Manhattan that houses corporate offices, including those of Blackstone, the NFL headquarters, and KPMG. The skyscraper spans a full city block from Park to Lexington between East 51st and 52nd Streets. The lobby and upper floors became crime scenes during the incident.
 • Prominent Midtown office tower
 • Hosted financial and corporate tenants
 • Lobby and upper floors directly impacted

Eyewitness Accounts

Employees and witnesses described scenes of panic: multiple rapid gunshots, people fleeing in panic, offices being barricaded with desks and couches, and some individuals exiting with hands up. One witness noted the sound felt like “automatic weapon fire” and another described being in a presentation when shots rang out on the first floor.
 • Accounts of loud, rapid gunfire
 • Barricades built using office furniture
 • Described intense fear and confusion

Motive and Investigation Status

As of now, no motive has been publicly confirmed. Authorities are investigating all possible angles, including premeditation given Temura’s gun permit and security work background, but have not released any conclusions. The FBI, NYPD detectives, and federal prosecutors are examining evidence including digital footprints, permit documentation, surveillance footage, and witness testimony to determine a potential motive.
 • No definitive motive issued publicly
 • Analysis ongoing by law enforcement agencies
 • Evidence collected and under review

Comparisons to Similar Incidents

While distinct in its context and victims, this shooting echoes broader trends in mass attacks in U.S. office buildings and public spaces. Like other high-profile mass shootings, questions arise regarding firearm access, permit background checks, and workplace security in major urban centers.
 • Mirrors trends in workplace shootings
 • Raises public debate on firearm regulations and permit issuance
 • Highlights vulnerabilities in high‑traffic office spaces

Security Protocols and Building Response

Employees described using couches, wooden desks, and conference tables to block office doors as the shooting spread up the building, demonstrating quick-thinking under stress. Such barricading practices are now being reviewed by corporate security teams as part of emergency preparedness. First responders conducted systematic floor-by-floor clearance procedures as part of protocol.
 • Furniture used to create impromptu barricades
 • Floor clearance tactics implemented
 • Emergency procedures activated in real time

Public Official Statements

Mayor Eric Adams and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch addressed the public, confirming the officer’s death, praising the rapid law enforcement response, and advising New Yorkers to avoid the area. They also expressed condolences and reassured that the city’s overall crime trends remained low for 2025 until this event.
 • Official condolences to next of kin
 • Calls for calm and cooperation with investigators
 • Confirmation of city crime data trends

Media Coverage and Public Reaction

News outlets including AP, Reuters, NBC, CBS, Fox, and the New York Post have provided extensive coverage, offering timelines, victim and suspect details, and site impact. Social media posts from bystanders, photos of barricaded offices, video of armed police response, and snippets of live broadcasts circulated widely, prompting public anxiety and renewed debate over urban gun violence.
 • Widespread press and live reporting
 • Eyewitness and social media documentation
 • Public dialogue on safety in workplaces

Legal and Forensic Procedures

Investigators collected the weapon, ammunition, the suspect’s permit, and other physical evidence on the 33rd floor. Surveillance footage is under analysis to reconstruct movement and timing, while forensic teams examine fingerprints or other DNA traces—though Tamura left minimal usable prints according to precedent in other cases. Authorities continue reviewing digital records and interviewing witnesses to piece together a comprehensive timeline.
 • Rifle, permit, and case recovered and catalogued
 • Surveillance video being analyzed
 • Forensic testing of prints, DNA, and bullet trajectories

Long‑Term Implications

The shooting raises questions regarding the adequacy of licensing systems for concealed carry permits, the ability of private building security teams to respond under duress, and the need for updated protocols in high-profile offices. In the coming weeks and months, law enforcement and corporate leadership are expected to review procedures, consider policy changes, and implement enhanced training drills.
 • Possible reforms to firearm permit issuance and vetting
 • Reinforced training for office emergency responses
 • Policy review across corporate high‑rise security

Conclusion

On July 28, 2025, a tragic mass shooting at 345 Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan claimed multiple lives—including that of a New York City police officer—and left others injured, shaking confidence in workplace safety. The shooter was identified as Shane Devon Tamura, a licensed gun carrier from Las Vegas, who took his own life at the scene. Investigations remain ongoing as officials sift through evidence to determine his motives and how the tragedy might have been prevented. In the aftermath, the incident has prompted scrutiny of corporate emergency protocols, firearm regulations, and building security measures in major cities.

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