A gunman armed with an assault-style rifle has invaded a skyscraper in downtown New York, resulting in the deaths of four individuals before taking his life.
On Monday evening, 27-year-old Shane Tamura from Las Vegas entered an office building located on Manhattan’s Park Avenue and began shooting in the lobby. He then proceeded to take a lift to the 33rd floor to carry on with his attack.
In a tragic incident, four individuals lost their lives, among them New York City police officer Didarul Islam, 36, who was on duty providing security at the time. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the three additional victims.
Authorities report that the gunman seems to have travelled across the United States, originating from Las Vegas. Authorities report that the individual had a history of mental health challenges, and an investigation is underway to determine a possible motive.
As the shooting unfolded, pedestrians hurriedly sought shelter while police issued warnings about an active gunman at approximately 18:30 ET (22:30 GMT). Inside the building, individuals sought refuge as gunfire reverberated through the halls. Some resorted to barricading themselves with couches and chairs, retreating into offices in a desperate attempt to shield themselves from the chaos outside.
The towering skyscraper serves as the headquarters for the National Football League (NFL) and houses prominent financial entities such as Blackstone and KPMG, alongside other significant corporations.
New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch reported that the suspect seemed to have operated independently. During a press conference, she announced that a fifth victim had been shot and is currently in “critical but stable condition.”
Didarul Islam, a police officer who was tragically killed, was a Bangladeshi immigrant and a father of two, with a third child expected soon. He had dedicated three and a half years of service to the New York Police Department.
Local officials and authorities paid tribute to Islam, declaring him a “hero” in the wake of his death.
Tisch stated, “He was fulfilling the responsibilities we assigned to him.” He made the ultimate sacrifice.
Following the shooting of Islam as he approached the building, Tamura subsequently targeted a woman who sought refuge behind a pillar. He moved through the lobby, unleashing a barrage of gunfire that struck several individuals, including a security guard taking cover behind a desk and another man nearby.
While waiting for a lift, a woman exited, and the gunman chose to spare her, allowing her to pass, according to Commissioner Tisch.
He ascended to the 33rd floor, where he fatally shot one individual before proceeding down a hallway and turning the gun on himself, she stated during a news conference on Monday night.
Authorities searched the suspect’s vehicle, which was double-parked in front, uncovering multiple magazine rounds along with a revolver. The car is registered in Nevada under the name of Tamura, a recognised gun owner in the state.
The event caused significant disruptions in Midtown Manhattan and halted public transport services. A journalist on the scene observed numerous police vehicles and noted that at least one individual with a bloodied chest was transported on a stretcher.
Witnesses claimed to have heard what appeared to be gunfire, prompting law enforcement to advise individuals in the vicinity, including members of the press, to take refuge in nearby structures.
Law enforcement conducted a methodical search of the building, progressing floor by floor in an operation that spanned several hours.
Mama Bouhenni, who was on duty at the Sip & Scoop coffee shop when the incident occurred, reported to the media that she witnessed numerous individuals being evacuated from nearby buildings.
According to her, they raised their hands above their heads.
Ms. Bouhenni acknowledged that she was familiar with many of them as regular customers. “The situation is undoubtedly alarming for them, and one can only hope for their safe return home.”
