A chaotic scene erupted in Midtown Manhattan Monday evening at 345 Park Avenue when a gunman opened fire, leading to multiple fatalities and injuries as terrified workers sought refuge from the violence.
Chaos in Midtown: The Heart-Stopping Events of the New York Office Shooting
Chaos in Midtown: The Heart-Stopping Events of the New York Office Shooting
A tragic shooting at 345 Park Avenue leaves four dead, sending shockwaves through Manhattan as employees scramble for safety.
In a shocking and tragic turn of events, an otherwise typical evening in Midtown Manhattan spiraled into chaos as gunfire erupted inside the iconic 345 Park Avenue office building. The events unfolded around 6:30 PM EST last night, leaving four people dead, including a New York police officer, and others injured.
Shane Tamura, a 27-year-old from Las Vegas, arrived after a cross-country drive and parked his BMW near the building, armed with an assault-style rifle. Witnesses reported that Tamura was fully geared to attack, marching with purpose toward the lobby of the skyscraper that houses the National Football League (NFL). However, shortly after entering the building, he opened fire indiscriminately in the lobby, killing Officer Didarul Islam and others, while also leaving several in critical condition.
As the unexpected chaos unfolded, employees quickly reacted to the sounds of gunfire. Jessica Chen, who was working in the building, described her harrowing experience, texting her parents to express her love, fearing for her life. Workers took cover by barricading doors with furniture, sending frantic emails to alert others about the shooter’s presence.
In a tragic series of misfortunes, a security guard named Aland Etienne attempted to activate an alarm system to prevent further injuries but was killed in the process. Meanwhile, Tamura mistakenly entered the wrong elevator, ending up on a floor that housed a different tenant instead of his intended target at the NFL offices.
As law enforcement arrived on the scene, employees desperately fled the building, raising their hands in surrender as they evacuated, visibly traumatized. Outside, witnesses described the chilling sounds of rapid gunfire and the panic that ensued.
Authorities are still piecing together the details of Tamura’s journey, which culminated in the devastating attack. A note found on his body revealed his claims of suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a condition linked to head injuries from contact sports. The somber message “Study my brain” underscored the turmoil that drove him to commit such violence.
As the community mourns the victims, including a police officer and innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire, questions remain about mental health and gun violence in the United States. The incident stands as a stark reminder of the fragility of safety in public spaces.
