Senator Dismisses Stricter Gun Laws After Midtown Shooting
Senator John Kennedy has rejected calls for tighter gun laws, suggesting instead that New York City should consider reviving Stop and Frisk tactics to address gun violence.
This comes in the wake of a tragic incident where a gunman attacked a Midtown skyscraper, resulting in the death of an NYPD officer and three others on Monday.
Appearing on Fox News, Kennedy expressed his sympathy for the victims, acknowledging that there would likely be increased discussions on gun control measures after such a tragedy.
“There’s going to be an inevitable push from some colleagues for more gun control,” Kennedy remarked during an interview with Sean Hannity. “We have hundreds, maybe even thousands, of gun control laws already. What we need is better management of those enforcing them.” He voiced skepticism over the effectiveness of additional gun control regulations.
The shooter, identified as Shane Tamura from Las Vegas, was armed with rifles and opened fire during the evening rush hour, specifically around 6:30 PM.
The 27-year-old entered the building, subsequently taking his own life after the shooting spree.
Kennedy stated firmly, “I don’t want to hear anyone feeling sorry for this guy. I believe there’s evident evil in this world, and I witnessed that today.” He reiterated the notion of reinstating a more aggressive Stop and Frisk policy in New York City.
NYC Midtown Shooting Timeline
- Reports of gunfire at 345 Park Avenue emerged around 6:28 PM.
- Shooter Shane Tamura was seen on surveillance footage exiting a double-parked black BMW, armed with an M4 rifle.
- He approached the skyscraper, entered the lobby, and shot officer Didalur Islam, 36.
- Another woman was injured while sheltering behind a pillar in the lobby.
- A man was also reported injured but remained in critical yet stable condition.
- After releasing the woman unharmed, Tamura continued his attack on the building’s 33rd floor, ultimately shooting another man.
- He ended the rampage by taking his own life.
- The duration of the incident remains unclear; authorities confirmed the situation was contained shortly after.
In a broader context, Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) addressed the “tragic and terrifying” nature of mass shootings, emphasizing the devastation felt after the death of a brave police officer and innocent civilians.
Jeffries stated, “We stand with the families during this critical time and offer our prayers and gratitude to the heroic first responders who risk their lives for others. Gun violence has become a significant plague in our country, particularly affecting major cities. It’s time for decisive action.”





