In the heart of Midtown Manhattan, a calm evening turned terrifying at 345 Park Avenue, where chaos broke out due to a shooting that claimed the lives of four people, including a New York police officer. Employees were caught off guard, with many scrambling to send last messages to loved ones and barricading conference rooms in fear.
As commuters headed home, the unexpected sound of gunfire sent shockwaves through the iconic 44-story building. Gunman Shane Tamura, fresh from a cross-country drive, exited his vehicle and opened fire in the busy lobby at around 6:30 PM. Mayor Eric Adams identified the officer killed as Didarul Islam, who was shot as he attempted to confront the attacker.
Witness reports describe Tamura, armed with an assault-style rifle, aggressively firing at individuals in the lobby before mistakenly heading to the wrong elevator. Destined for the NFL offices, he moved instead to the 33rd floor of a real estate company, where he continued to unleash chaos.
As the mayhem unfolded, frantic emails flew between employees seeking safety, with many hiding in conference rooms or attempting to escape. Police swarmed the scene as onlookers outside listened in horror to the gunshots echoing within the skyscraper.
The situation came to a horrifying conclusion when Tamura took his own life after fatally wounding his last victim. Investigators are currently uncovering more about his motivations, which included a troubled mental health history and a disturbing three-page note expressing his grievances against the NFL. The tragic incident has left a heavy mark on the New York community, prompting discussions about gun violence and safety.
