Suspected NYC shooter, who publicly accused the NFL of concealing brain injury risks, was himself diagnosed with a sports concussion, according to his mother's statements.
In a tragic turn of events, Shane Devon Tamura, a 27-year-old former casino security employee, carried out a mass shooting in a Manhattan office tower in 2022, claiming the lives of four innocent individuals.
Mental Health Issues
Tamura had a documented history of mental health problems. He had at least two psychiatric holds in Nevada, occurring in 2022 and 2024. Reports from the New York police and media outlets confirm that he suffered from mental illness. In 2024, he was committed to a hospital again due to expressing a desire to harm himself.
Football Background
During his high school years in Southern California, Tamura played varsity football as a running back for Granada Hills Charter High School and earlier for Golden Valley High School. However, he did not pursue a professional football career.
CTE Claim
In a three-page note, Tamura claimed to have chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). This condition, often associated with repeated head trauma, is common among professional football players. However, investigations found no evidence or medical diagnosis confirming this claim.
Other Factors
At the time of the shooting, Tamura was employed at the Horseshoe Las Vegas' surveillance department. He held a concealed firearms permit, had an expired private investigator license, and possessed firearms and medication, which were prescribed to him, in his apartment.
The Shooting
On the day of the shooting, Tamura fatally shot three people in the building lobby and one on the 33rd floor before ending his own life. New York City detectives found a tripod for his rifle, a box for a revolver, and ammunition for both guns in Tamura's locker at the Horseshoe casino.
Legal Implications
Tamura's mental health history would not have prevented him from legally purchasing the revolver, unless relatives or law enforcement sought a so-called extreme risk protection order from the courts. A new state law effective this month will allow officers to confiscate firearms in the immediate vicinity of someone placed on a mental health crisis hold.
Previous Arrests
Tamura had a history of run-ins with the law. He was arrested for trespassing at a casino in 2023 and cited for driving an unregistered car and without a license in 2024.
Family Concerns
Tamura's mother reported that he was under a doctor's care for depression, sports-related concussion, chronic migraines, and insomnia. She also reported that he was taking sleeping pills, smoking marijuana, and kept a gun in his backpack.
Controversial Allegations
Tamura accused the NFL of hiding the dangers of brain injuries linked to contact sports. This claim, while not substantiated, adds another layer of complexity to the tragic events.
In the wake of this devastating incident, authorities are releasing records related to Tamura's case due to "extraordinary circumstances." The investigation continues, shedding light on the complex factors that may have contributed to this senseless act of violence.
- Tamura played football as a running back during his high school years in Southern California, a passion he did not pursue professionally.
- Contrary to claims in a three-page note, investigations found no evidence or medical diagnosis of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in Tamura.
- Despite his documented history of mental health problems and previous arrests, Tamura legally purchased the revolver used in the shooting.
- In 2024, Tamura was admitted to a hospital again due to expressing a desire to harm himself among other mental health issues, including depression and insomnia.
- Upon finding Tamura's locker at the Horseshoe casino, New York City detectives discovered a tripod for his rifle, a box for a revolver, and ammunition for both guns.
- The shooting in Manhattan sparked controversy, as Tamura accused the NFL of hiding the dangers of brain injuries linked to contact sports.
