An NFL staff member is recovering in hospital after being seriously wounded during a shooting at the New York City building that houses the league’s headquarters.
The incident unfolded on Monday evening at 345 Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, where four people lost their lives in a violent attack that began in the lobby and continued on the 33rd floor. The suspect, identified as 27-year-old Shane Tamura, opened fire with an M4-style rifle, also injuring an NYPD officer.
According to a message sent to staff by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, the injured employee remains in a stable condition. The commissioner confirmed that the league is in close contact with the victim’s family and offering full support.
“Every one of you is a valued member of the NFL family. We will get through this together,” Goodell wrote, also expressing gratitude to law enforcement and paying tribute to Officer Islam, who died in the line of duty during the attack.
The league’s headquarters are located on the fifth floor of the Park Avenue building. While Tamura never entered that part of the building, the NFL has taken extra precautions. Staff working at the site have been advised to work remotely on Wednesday or take the day off, and increased security has been promised in the coming days.
The gunman, originally from Las Vegas, had past ties to American football. During his high school years in California, Tamura played as a defensive back and halfback for Granada Hills Charter and Golden Valley High School. Authorities are now investigating whether his connection to the sport had any bearing on his actions, although no direct link to the NFL has been confirmed.
Tamura began his assault in the building’s lobby at around 6:30pm, firing into a space where roughly 30 people were present. He then made his way to the 33rd floor, where he continued shooting. Among the organisations with offices on that floor are property firm Rudin Management and investment company Blackstone.
A security alert issued during the incident instructed NFL staff to shelter in place. “Do not exit the building. Secure your location and hide until law enforcement clears your floor. Please switch phones to silent,” the alert read, according to ESPN’s Jeff Darlington.
Images circulated online show Tamura in a sports jacket and button-down shirt, holding a rifle fitted with a suppressor as he moved through the building. He has since been taken into custody.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear. Investigators are continuing to look into Tamura’s background and possible connections to any of the building’s tenants.
The NFL has said it will continue to provide updates to staff and is working closely with law enforcement as the investigation progresses.
