July 28th saw what was deemed the most severe shooting incident in New York City in 25 years, which took place in a midtown Manhattan office building. The perpetrator, identified as Shane Tamura, allegedly killed four innocent victims. It has been revealed that Tamura had a history of mental health issues and claimed to have a chronic brain condition. Questions arise about his illness: How did he obtain a gun license if he did indeed suffer from a mental disorder?
According to a combination of police and media sources, Tamura successfully obtained a firearms permit in 2022 and informed Las Vegas authorities of suicidal thoughts, but he was still granted a gun permit. Sources mention that having suicidal thoughts may not be sufficient cause for revoking a gun license.
Tamura traveled from his residence in Las Vegas to New York City with the sole intention of committing murder at the headquarters of the National Football League (NFL). In a letter he left behind, he attributed his actions to suffering from a chronic traumatic brain disease called CTE, which he believed resulted from playing football in high school. He placed blame on the NFL for his condition.
However, according to reports from the New York Post, Tamura’s high school football coach does not recall any injuries to the perpetrator’s head other than an ankle injury.
“I only remember an ankle injury,” a former Granada Hills Charter School football coach stated. “I recall that the injury may have caused him to miss a game, but it was of that extent.”
A former teammate of Tamura from the Granada Hills Charter team, who played football with him, also mentioned not recalling any head injuries while he played running back for the school team.
“I believe Tamura was relatively healthy,” said the 28-year-old player who preferred to remain anonymous to the New York Post. “I don’t remember him having any injuries.”
Although not known for intense competition, Tamura excelled on the field and left a lasting impression, being a star player that coaches favored.
In his notes, the perpetrator had requested that his brain be studied. Observers noted that the fatal gunshot wound during his suicide was directed towards his chest, not his head.
Mayor Eric Adams stated that Tamura’s brain might undergo testing. “The New York City medical examiner’s office will collaborate with the Manhattan district attorney to decide on the next course of action,” he said.
However, the medical examiner’s office has not confirmed this, only mentioning that a routine brain examination will be conducted during the autopsy.