On Monday night (July 28), a gunman entered a skyscraper office building at 345 Park Avenue in Manhattan’s Midtown, opening fire and causing at least 4 fatalities, including one off-duty officer from the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and 3 civilians. The gunman then took his own life, resulting in a total of 5 fatalities. Several others sustained minor injuries while trying to escape and are currently receiving treatment. The NYPD and FBI are currently investigating the motive behind the incident and have not yet released a complete list of casualties and the identity of the gunman.
According to NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch, the incident occurred at 6:28 p.m. when multiple 911 calls reported an armed man inside the building at 345 Park Avenue. The building houses headquarters of prominent companies such as Blackstone and the NFL. It is located near Grand Central Station and the Museum of Modern Art, areas usually bustling with people.
Tisch stated that surveillance footage showed the suspect exiting a parked black BMW van with an M4 rifle in hand, proceeding alone into the lobby of the building and immediately firing at the stationed NYPD officer, resulting in the fatal shooting of 36-year-old Officer Didarul Islam. Officer Islam served at the NYPD’s 47th Precinct, was a Bangladeshi immigrant, had been in the force for 3 and a half years, and was a father of two with his wife currently pregnant with their third child.
The suspect continued to fire in the lobby, hitting a female and two other males, one of whom was a security guard hiding behind a pillar. He then took an elevator to the 33rd floor and shot at individuals on that floor, leading to the death of another female. Finally, the suspect walked into a corridor and fatally shot himself in the chest.
During the incident, the building at 345 Park Avenue was undergoing an emergency evacuation. The police have blocked East 52nd Street between Park Avenue and Lexington Avenue, urging pedestrians and vehicles to avoid the area.
Tisch indicated that the suspect is preliminarily identified as 27-year-old Shane Tamura, a resident of Las Vegas, Nevada, with the vehicle registered in that state as well. A handgun, ammunition, a backpack, and his prescription medication were found in Tamura’s BMW, with no explosives inside the vehicle.
Based on the vehicle’s GPS records, Shane Tamura passed through Colorado on July 26, Nebraska and Iowa on July 27, and entered New Jersey at 4:24 p.m. on the day of the incident before arriving in New York City.
Authorities mentioned that Shane Tamura had a known history of mental health issues, and it remains unclear why he chose to commit the crime at that particular building. Law enforcement emphasizes that this was a lone act, and there are no further threats at the scene.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams expressed during a press conference that this was a senseless act of violence tragedy, once again highlighting the ease of access to firearms. Adams mentioned that he rushed to the hospital immediately after the incident, met with the families of the fallen officer, and said, “Islam was a true New Yorker, not just in uniform but with a dedication to loving this city.”
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino stated on the X platform that the FBI has sent agents to the scene to assist, saying, “Although the primary agency is the NYPD, we will provide all necessary assistance.” FBI New York Field Office Special Agent Chris Reya added that no records related to Tamura have been found in their internal databases.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi noted that a command center has been set up on-site by Southern District Federal Prosecutor Jay Claytown, facilitating federal-level support action.
Mayor Eric Adams mentioned on the X platform that he personally visited the scene in the evening and confirmed that the gunman had been subdued, while the police continued to investigate the building. He urged those still inside the building to stay put and cooperate with law enforcement inquiries.
Mayoral candidates have been making statements on social media.
Former Governor Andrew Cuomo expressed shock at the incident and extended condolences to the families of the fallen officer and victims, emphasizing that public safety will be a key focus of his policy. Zohran Mamdani, who won the Democratic primary nomination defeating Cuomo, also expressed sorrow over the tragic shooting in Midtown Manhattan, offering prayers for the victims, their families, and the officer still undergoing treatment.
Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa described the shooting incident as disturbing, thanking first responders for their immediate response and saying, “Prayers for all affected. Thankful for our emergency personnel who risk danger to keep us safe.”