Manhattan NFL Shooter Diagnosed With Low-Stage CTE

The New York City medical examiner confirmed Shane Tamura, 27, who opened fire on July 28 at 345 Park Ave — a building that houses the NFL’s headquarters — and then died by suicide, had “unambiguous diagnostic evidence” of low-stage chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Tamura, a former high‑school football player and Las Vegas casino worker with a history of mental‑health struggles who had sought help before the attack, left a three‑page note blaming the NFL for hiding head‑trauma risks and pleading, "Study my brain please," and authorities say he appeared to target the NFL’s offices but went to the wrong floor. The attack killed off‑duty NYPD Officer Didarul Islam, Blackstone executive Wesley LePatner, security guard Aland Etienne and Rudin employee Julia Hyman; an NFL employee was seriously wounded. CTE can be diagnosed only after death and is linked to repeated head impacts common in contact sports, including among athletes who never played beyond high school. Researchers say CTE can affect brain regions involved in mood and decision‑making and the finding has reignited calls for stronger youth and high‑school football safety measures, but experts caution there is no definitive proof that CTE directly causes violent acts.