Shane Devon Tamura Obituary, Death; – A man clad in body armor and wielding a high-powered rifle shot and killed four individuals, including an off-duty police officer who was providing security in a Midtown Manhattan office building, as reported by sources to ABC News.
The event transpired just prior to 6:30 p.m. on Monday at a location situated at 345 Park Ave. and 52nd Street, according to sources, which houses the headquarters of the investment firm Blackstone and the National Football League, as stated by sources.
It remains uncertain whether those companies, or any other entity within the building, had any connection to the shooting.
After reportedly barricading himself on the 33rd floor, the suspect was discovered deceased from what is believed to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, sources indicated.
The motive is presently under investigation, as stated by FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino.
Surveillance footage recorded the suspect outside the building, according to sources.
Some employees within 345 Park Ave. were informed that the threat “has been resolved,” but were instructed to exit the building only with a police escort, as per a message communicated to employees.
A witness present in the Midtown office building during the shooting recounted to ABC News the experience as colleagues took cover in lockdown, uncertain of the situation’s developments.
“We heard multiple shots fired in rapid succession from the first floor, and many of us hurried into the room,” Jessica Chen recounted, noting that she was on the second floor of the building attending a presentation with approximately 150 others when the shooting commenced.
“Some exited through the back door onto the street. Others, including myself, ran into the conference room and ultimately barricaded the tables against the doors, remaining still,” Chen explained.
“I texted my parents ‘I love them,'” Chen shared. “No words can adequately convey that feeling.”
Chen further mentioned that she remembered participating in active shooter drills during her schooling and often contemplated how she would react in such a situation. “It is regrettable that all Americans must consider this possibility,” Chen remarked.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams earlier warned residents to avoid the area amid the “active shooter investigation.”
The New York City Police Department also urged people to avoid the vicinity of East 52nd Street between Park Avenue and Lexington Avenue due to police activity. “Expect emergency vehicles & delays in the surrounding area,” the NYPD said on social media. FBI New York Field Office management personnel and agents responded “to provide support at the active crime scene in Manhattan,” Bongino said on X.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said she has been briefed on the situation. KPMG, an accounting firm that also has offices in the building, released a statement after the shooting, saying, “Our hearts go out to the victims of this horrific act and their families.” “We are incredibly grateful for the bravery of building security and law enforcement,” the company said.
