The 27-year-old gunman, Shane Devon Tamura, who opened fire inside the NFL’s headquarters building in New York on Monday, reportedly left a chilling suicide note before taking his own life. According to CNN, the note described Tamura’s claim of suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a condition linked to repeated head injuries like those common in football players. In the note, Tamura stated, “Terry Long football gave me CTE, and it caused me to drink a gallon of antifreeze. You can’t go against the NFL; they’ll squash you. Study my brain, please. I’m sorry. Tell Rick I’m sorry for everything.”
The brief note, found by investigators, referenced Terry Long, a former Pittsburgh Steelers player who suffered from CTE and died by suicide after drinking antifreeze in 2005. Tamura, a former competitive football player, made this claim, which could explain his violent actions. CTE is a progressive brain condition, often found in football players, that results from repeated concussions and head trauma. Tamura had reportedly been diagnosed with the condition.
Details of the Shooting Incident
The shooting took place in the 44-story Park Avenue skyscraper, home to some of the nation’s top financial firms, including Blackstone and KPMG. Tamura, armed with a long rifle and wearing a bullet-resistant vest, entered the building. He was licensed to carry the weapon in Nevada but unleashed chaos inside the NFL’s offices on the fifth floor. At approximately 6:40 pm, he exchanged fire with an NYPD officer in the lobby before making his way to the 33rd floor, where he barricaded himself in a building area before taking his own life with a gunshot to the chest.
Impact and Reactions
The shooting is now the 254th mass shooting in the U.S. in 2024, according to the Gun Violence Archive. The incident shocked the city, especially since it occurred near iconic locations like Grand Central Station and Rockefeller Center. Zohran Mamdani, a candidate in the race for New York City mayor, expressed his grief on social media, writing, “Heartbroken to learn of the horrific shooting in midtown. I am holding the victims, their families, and the NYPD officer… in my thoughts.” Governor Kathy Hochul confirmed she had been briefed on the shooting, ensuring that the authorities remain on top of the situation.
This tragedy raises serious questions about the role of CTE in violent actions and the impact of brain injuries on decision-making. As investigations continue, the public is left grappling with the emotional aftermath of the attack. Tamura’s claim in his suicide note serves as a stark reminder of the long-term consequences of sports-related head injuries, and the need for further research into CTE’s effects on individuals.