A police officer, 36, who was married, along with three others, lost their lives when a gunman stormed a Midtown skyscraper on Monday evening.
The shooter, 27-year-old Shane Tamra, from Las Vegas, entered the 44-story building, which is home to both Blackstone and the NFL headquarters, during the evening rush, wielding a rifle, according to law enforcement.
Tamra, who reportedly had a known history of mental health issues, unleashed his attack in the lobby, where he first shot officer Didalur Islam, as shared by NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tish at a press conference.
He fatally shot a woman who was trying to hide behind a pillar.
Witnesses described the sound of gunfire, saying it resembled a barrage, possibly from an automatic weapon.
Tamra then moved into the elevator and shot at security guards hiding behind a desk. Remarkably, one woman was allowed to leave unharmed from the elevator.
He proceeded to the 33rd floor, where the Rudin management office is located, and shot another individual before turning the gun on himself.
Another man was shot in the lobby but survived his injuries.
Latest Updates on NYC’s Mass Shooting:
- Reports of gunfire at 345 Park Avenue began around 6:28 PM.
- Tamra was captured on surveillance video exiting a black BMW equipped with an M4 rifle.
- Upon entering the building, he shot officer Didalur Islam, followed by a woman behind a pillar.
- A man in the lobby was also shot but remains in critical, albeit stable, condition.
- Tamra later committed suicide on the 33rd floor.
- Authorities are still investigating his motivations for choosing this particular location.
Those nearby ran outside the building, some with their hands raised as they evacuated amidst the chaos. The scene was described by witnesses as alarming, with police vehicles, ambulances, and first responders quickly flooding the area.
Officer Islam, unfortunately, succumbed to his injuries at a hospital following the event. Tamra was reported to have acted alone, and his vehicle, registered in Nevada, was discovered at the scene, containing additional firearms and ammunition.
The officer, whose history included military service since December 2021, left behind a pregnant wife expecting their third child.
Interestingly, two unrelated protesters were arrested outside the building around the same time as the shooting.
This situation continues to develop, and further updates are expected.
