Who was Shane Tamura? Gunman behind Manhattan shooting that killed at least 4 people

Shane Tamura (Image:X)

Shane Tamura, a resident of Nevada, has been identified as the suspect in the fatal shooting that occurred at a high-rise office building in Midtown Manhattan on Monday evening.

The incident resulted in the deaths of at least four individuals, including an off-duty 36-year-old officer from the New York Police Department.

Who was Shane Tamura 

Tamura, 27 years old and originally from Hawaii, later moved to Las Vegas, according to a report from NDTV.

Law enforcement sources said that he held a concealed carry firearms permit, which was issued to him on June 14, 2022, and was valid for five years. Additionally, he was found to have an expired private investigator license.

In 2015, an old video surfaced showing Tamura passionately discussing his victory in a football game, highlighting his past as a player for Granada Hills.

A vehicle with Nevada license plates registered to Tamura was found at the scene. Inside the vehicle, police discovered a rifle case containing ammunition, a loaded revolver, additional ammunition and magazines, a backpack, and medication prescribed to Tamura, the report further said.

The bomb squad searched the vehicle and confirmed it was free of explosives.

The initial investigation revealed that Tamura's car travelled across the country, passing through Colorado on July 26 and Columbia, New Jersey, as recently as 4:24 PM on Monday. The vehicle entered New York City shortly after.

Tamura has a documented history of mental health issues, New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said during a press briefing.

Details of the Incident

Initial reports suggest that Tamura entered the building heavily armed, wearing a bullet-resistant vest and carrying an AR-style rifle. He began firing shots on the first floor before barricading himself on the 32nd floor.

The situation was eventually contained, and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Disch confirmed that the "lone shooter has been neutralised."

The Fire Department of New York responded to emergency calls at approximately 6:30 PM, reporting multiple victims at the scene. Mayor Eric Adams confirmed the presence of “multiple injuries” and urged anyone still inside the building to shelter in place as NYPD officers conducted a thorough sweep of each floor.

He later announced that he was going to meet with the families of those affected by the tragedy.

Authorities have not yet released any information regarding a motive, and an investigation is currently underway.

Police sources cited by Reuters revealed that, in addition to the deceased officer and the suspect, two civilians were also struck by gunfire; however, the extent of their injuries remains unclear.