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New York office gunman had low-level CTE, medical examiner finds

September 26, 2025

A 27-year-old gunman who killed four people in a Manhattan office building was found to have chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain condition linked to repeated head trauma, according to the New York City medical examiner. Shane Tamura, who targeted the NFL headquarters but entered the wrong part of the building, left notes blaming the NFL for concealing CTE's effects and requesting his brain be studied. The medical examiner confirmed Tamura had "low-stage CTE," a condition typically associated with symptoms including depression, memory loss, and progressive dementia.

Who is affected

  • The four victims killed in the shooting: NYPD officer Didarul Islam, Blackstone employee Wesley LePatner, Rudin Management employee Julia Hyman
  • NFL employee Craig Clementi, who was seriously injured
  • The gunman's family (implied)
  • The NFL, which was the apparent target of the attack
  • The broader community affected by the mass shooting
  • Former football players and athletes concerned about CTE

What action is being taken

  • The New York City medical examiner's office is conducting post-mortem examinations and has confirmed the shooter had CTE
  • Police are investigating the shooter's motives and background, including his mental health issues
  • Research on CTE is continuing, as the medical examiner noted that "the physical and mental manifestations of CTE remain under study"

Why it matters

  • The case highlights the potential link between CTE and violent behavior
  • It brings attention to concerns about brain injuries in contact sports, particularly football
  • The incident demonstrates how the NFL's handling of CTE information has become a contentious issue
  • The shooter's specific targeting of the NFL headquarters suggests continued public concern about how the league has addressed brain injuries
  • The diagnosis provides potential insight into the shooter's motives and mental state

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC

New York office gunman had low-level CTE, medical examiner finds