Tragic Shooting Claims Life of Young Professional in Midtown

The latest victim of the shooting incident at a Midtown skyscraper was just starting her career. Julia Hyman, 27, was one of the last employees working on the 33rd floor at 345 Park Ave. when, around 6:30 PM, shooter Shane Tamura exited the elevator and opened fire with an assault rifle.

Reportedly, Julia had recently taken on a role as an associate at Rudin Management, the building’s owner. Her loved ones described her as someone who was dedicated—often burning the midnight oil at her job.

“She was hard-working; that’s what everyone said,” recalled Shiva Subramaniam, whose daughter was Julia’s university friend, at her funeral on Wednesday. “She was last, last,” he added, reflecting on the tragedy.

During the attack, Hyman was one of three people encountered by Tamura on the 33rd floor. A long-time janitor narrowly escaped when he fired at her, and another staff member managed to take refuge in a reinforced panic room. Unfortunately, Hyman was not as fortunate; he spotted her at her desk and shot her.

In addition to Julia, Tamura also took the lives of three more individuals in the building’s lobby before pointing the gun at himself. Thankfully, police noted that the situation could have been worse had Tamura arrived earlier, as many more people would have been present.

“I’m grateful that this didn’t happen 30 minutes ago. There were minimal people,” remarked NYPD Director John Chell to Fox News. He described the scene as “pure horror,” recounting his long experience with crime scenes.

Colleagues who worked with Hyman mentioned that it wasn’t a surprise she was at the office late. “She was a natural leader,” one internee recalled. “She mentored a friend of mine; I only met her once, but I remember how we would smile at each other in the hallways.”

The impact of Hyman’s life was poignantly showcased at her emotional funeral held at a Manhattan synagogue on Wednesday.

“Julia had an innate emotional intelligence, connecting deeply with those around her,” her uncle Rob Pittman shared during the service. “She lived life courageously, planning parties and making playlists; she was wise beyond her years.”

In addition to her professional and academic pursuits, Julia was the leader of her sorority at Cornell University and a captain of her high school lacrosse team. Growing up in the Bronx, she graduated from Riverdale Country School in 2016.

“Such a waste,” Subramaniam lamented, noting that his daughter was also a college roommate of Hyman’s. “She loved life, food, and great chefs.”

The attack also claimed the life of Wesley Repatner, a 43-year-old executive at Blackstone, among others, including an NYPD officer whose family was affected tragically as well.

At her funeral, Hyman’s uncle urged attendees to look around and see all the lives she had touched.

“Your little girl absorbed all of this life and became an incredible person,” Pittman stated. “Julia got exactly what she needed from you. She really turned out perfectly.”