Details continue to unravel about Monday’s Park Avenue mass shooting, which left five people dead, including the gunman. Here’s what the Amsterdam News can confirm.
1. Police immediately found victims
The NYPD received 9-11 calls for an active shooter at 345 Park Avenue a little before 6:30 p.m. on July 28. Responding officers found four shooting victims in the lobby, three of whom were pronounced deceased after transport to the hospital. On the 33rd floor, they found two other people with fatal gunshot wounds, one self-inflicted who is believed to be the shooter.
The lone gunshot survivor was in critical but stable condition.
2. Shooter traveled across the country
An NYPD spokesperson told the Amsterdam News that Mayor Eric Adams and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch’s press conference on Monday night provided the most up-to-date information as of Tuesday evening.
Tisch said the shooter is believed to be Shane Tamura, 27, who police say had a Las Vegas address. A black BMW at the scene and guns used were registered under his name. An initial investigation pointed to him traveling cross-country before the shooting.
3. Officer killed was trying to make extra money
Off-duty police officer Didarul Islam, from the Bronx’s 47th precinct, was among the victims killed during the shooting. He was 36 years old and a Bangladeshi immigrant with three years’ experience on the force. Islam is survived by his pregnant wife, two sons, both parents, and two sisters.
Tisch said Islam was working in paid detail, “a program that we have set up at the police department that allows companies to hire officers in uniform to provide extra uniform security.”
An official fundraiser on GoFundMe alternative Fund the First can be found here.
4. Shooter may have been targeting NFL offices
The 345 Park Avenue skyscraper houses several company offices, including the National Football League (NFL), Rudin Management, KPMG, and Blackstone.
During a Tuesday appearance on Morning Joe, Adams revealed that there is “reason to believe that he was focused on the NFL agency that was located in the building,” although he said little more is known outside of a suicide note in the shooter’s pocket. In another interview, Adams said the note alluded to having CTE from playing in the NFL, although Tamura never played in the league.
Tamura’s body was found on the 33rd floor, which houses the offices of Rudin Management, a real estate company. Adams said he probably went to the wrong elevator bank. He added that some staff on the floor used safe rooms.
5. Politicians standing with cops
Several elected officials around the city have released statements about the incident.
House Democrat Leader Hakeem Jeffries: “The murder of a brave New York City police officer and several innocent civilians is tragic and horrifying. We mourn their loss and stand with their families during this time of need. Our prayers and gratitude are also with those heroic law enforcement officers and first responders who put their lives on the line and selflessly rushed to the scene to save others.
“Mass shootings are a plague. The gun violence epidemic continues to afflict our country and now has shattered lives in our great City. The time has come for decisive action.”
City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams: “I extend my solemn condolences to the loved ones of those murdered in tonight’s horrific Midtown Manhattan shooting, including NYPD Officer Islam and several other New Yorkers. My heart is with the victims’ loved ones, all those affected by this traumatic incident, and the entire NYPD family, and I pray for the recovery of the injured.
“This horrible act leaves us angry to once again mourn yet another display of senseless gun violence that has repeatedly harmed our city and the entire nation.
“We are grateful for the first responders who rushed to tonight’s devastating scene.
“Our city is mourning, and we are united in heartfelt grief for the tragic loss of precious lives.”