The handwritten suicide note left by 27-year-old Shane Tamura, the gunman responsible for Monday’s deadly shooting at 345 Park Avenue in New York City, has revealed disturbing insights into his mental state and motive. On the evening of July 28, Tamura opened fire in the lobby of the luxury office tower—home to the NFL’s headquarters—killing four people and critically injuring a fifth, believed to be an NFL employee. Among the dead was Officer Didarul Islam, 36, a father of two with a third child on the way, who was working a security detail.
Tamura continued to the 33rd floor, where he killed another person before fatally shooting himself. A multi-page suicide note was found at the scene, expressing long-standing resentment toward the NFL and referencing Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head injuries. In the note, Tamura wrote: “Terry Long football gave me CTE, and it caused me to drink a gallon of antifreeze… You can’t go against the NFL, they’ll squash you.” He also pleaded for his brain to be studied and expressed regret, writing: “Tell Rick I’m sorry for everything.”
Authorities confirmed Tamura had a documented mental health history and had driven over 2,500 miles from Las Vegas to carry out the attack. Once a standout high school football player, Tamura’s life had taken a dark turn in the years since. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed he acted alone and noted the ongoing investigation.
Officer Islam was honored as a hero by both city officials and the NYPD, who vowed to remember his sacrifice and legacy.
