UPDATE: A devastating shooting unfolded in Midtown Manhattan on October 23, 2023, as a gunman shot and killed four individuals, including a police officer, before taking his own life in a chaotic scene that has left the city reeling.
The suspect, identified as Shane D. Tamura, 27, from Las Vegas, entered a high-profile office tower on Park Avenue armed with an M4 rifle, immediately opening fire. The shocking incident began around 5:00 PM ET when Tamura targeted NYPD officer Didarul Islam, killing him almost instantly.
Witnesses described a scene filled with fear and confusion as gunfire erupted. One woman, who sought shelter behind a pillar, was shot, while another security guard was also struck as the gunman moved through the lobby, firing wildly. A wounded man later reported to police that he had been shot while in the lobby during the attack.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed that surveillance footage showed Tamura leaving a double-parked black BMW before entering the building. Remarkably, he allowed a woman to pass unharmed in the elevator before continuing his rampage.
Once on the 33rd floor, Tamura shot a victim in the offices of Rudin Management before turning the gun on himself. The building, which houses the headquarters of the NFL and Blackstone, has been sealed off as a crime scene with a large police perimeter established.
Local resident Nekeisha Lewis was dining nearby when she heard the gunfire. “It felt like it was a quick two shots and then it was rapid fire,” she recounted, adding that chaos ensued as people fled the area. Disturbing footage showed lines of evacuees emerging from the building with their hands raised, signaling the panic that enveloped the scene.
As helicopters circled overhead, the streets of Midtown were lit up with flashing police lights, and a crowd of anxious onlookers gathered. Many tourists were left shocked and bewildered as they learned of the violence that unfolded just blocks away.
Kyle Marshall, 38, who was working at a nearby office, received alarming texts from his mother concerning the active shooter and was shocked to learn it was right next door to his workplace. He stated, “The police responded quickly,” and expressed that it did not diminish his sense of safety in Manhattan.
The city remains on edge as the investigation unfolds. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward as they seek to understand the motive behind this tragic event.
As of now, the building remains cordoned off while forensic teams gather evidence. The emotional toll of this incident is palpable, with many in the community expressing their fears and concerns for safety in the wake of such violence.
NEXT: Residents and businesses in the area are advised to remain alert as police continue their investigation. The community is coming together to mourn the lives lost and to support those affected by this tragic event. More updates are expected as authorities release further details.
