From Hawaii to a Midtown Rampage: Unraveling the Life of the 27-Year-Old Shooter. Police Reveal Details on His Background, Weapons, and the Terrifying Scene at Park Avenue
July 29, 2025: A deadly shooting unfolded Monday evening at a midtown Manhattan office building, leaving at least four people dead, including a New York Police Department officer. Authorities have identified Shane Tamura, a 27-year-old native of Hawaii, as the gunman responsible for the rampage.
Manhattan Office Building Shooting Claims Four Lives; Gunman Shane Tamura Identified, Motives Under Investigation
Emergency crews, including the Fire Department of New York, were dispatched to the Park Avenue office building at 6:28 pm following reports of a shooting. The 44-story skyscraper houses prominent firms, including private equity giant Blackstone and the National Football League.
All About Shane Tamura:
Shane Tamura, 27, originally from Hawaii and later residing in Las Vegas, has been identified as the shooter. A viral image of his identity card shows he held a concealed firearms permit, issued on June 14, 2022, and valid for five years. He also possessed an expired private investigator license. The New York Post reported that Tamura recently worked as a security guard at a Las Vegas casino. An old video from 2015 has resurfaced, showing Tamura passionately discussing a football victory, having played for Granada Hills. New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated during a press briefing that Tamura had a documented history of mental health issues, though the initial investigation reveals no prior criminal background. His motives remain under active investigation.
The Rampage Unfolds: According to Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, the armed gunman, wearing a bullet-resistant vest and carrying a long rifle, entered the Park Avenue skyscraper. He first shot an NYPD officer, identified as Islam, followed by a woman who sought cover behind a pillar in the lobby. He then shot a security guard taking cover behind the security desk, and an additional male in the lobby.
“He then calls the elevator and goes up to the 33rd floor, which is Rudin Management and begins to walk the floor, firing rounds. One person was struck and killed on that floor. He then proceeds down the hallway and shoots himself in the chest,” Ms. Tisch detailed.
In total, the gunman shot five people. Four, including the NYPD officer Islam and three civilians (two males and one female), died. One male remains severely injured and in critical condition. Sources told the New York Post that Tamura was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound on the 33rd floor, where other victims were also discovered. Commissioner Tisch confirmed, “At this time, the scene has been contained and the lone shooter has been neutralized.”
Investigation and Aftermath:
Police recovered Tamura’s rifle, a Palmetto State Armory AR-15 assault rifle, which was found smeared with blood. A vehicle with Nevada plates registered to Tamura was located at the scene. Inside the vehicle, authorities discovered a rifle case with rounds, a loaded revolver, additional ammunition and magazines, a backpack, and medication prescribed to Tamura. The bomb squad searched the vehicle and confirmed it was clear of explosives.
Initial investigation into Tamura’s movements revealed his car traveled cross-country, passing through Colorado on July 26 and Columbia, New Jersey, as recently as 4:24 pm on Monday, before entering New York City shortly thereafter.
The shooting triggered a chaotic scene in midtown Manhattan, with scores of police cars cordoning off the area and a helicopter hovering overhead. The New York City Police Department issued an advisory urging people to avoid the vicinity of East 52nd Street between Park Avenue and Lexington Avenue, warning of emergency vehicles and potential delays.
Victim Toll Update:
- NYPD Officer Islam (deceased)
- Three civilians (two males, one female) (deceased)
- One male (severely injured, critical condition)