On 29/7, Julie Bolcer, a spokesperson for the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner, announced that neuropathologists will examine the brain of Shane Tamura, 27, for signs of CTE. Tamura fatally shot 4 people in a high-rise building in midtown Manhattan before taking his own life.
The decision follows US media reports citing sources who said investigators found a suicide note in Tamura's wallet. The note mentioned CTE and included a plea to "please examine my brain."
 |
Gunman Shane Tamura. Photo: ABC7 |
Gunman Shane Tamura. Photo: ABC7
Tamura also wrote "I'm sorry" and referenced former football player Terry Long, who died by suicide in 2005 by ingesting antifreeze and was posthumously diagnosed with CTE.
CTE is a progressive degenerative brain disease caused by repeated head trauma. Over time, these impacts damage areas of the brain, affecting communication, coordination, and brain function.
The disease is commonly found in people at risk of frequent head trauma, such as athletes in contact sports (American football, boxing, hockey), veterans exposed to blast waves, and individuals who have experienced multiple unprotected or improperly treated head impacts.
"Football gave me CTE and it also made me take a lot of blood thinners," Tamura wrote, adding that "you can't go against the National Football League (NFL)."
On the third page of the note, Tamura continued his appeal, urging for brain examinations to prevent CTE. He criticized the NFL for allegedly concealing the risks to players' brains to maximize profits.
Around 6 p.m. on 28/7, Tamura entered the office building, which houses various organizations including the NFL. He opened fire, killing 4 people before turning the gun on himself. New York City Mayor Eric Adams told reporters that Tamura appeared to be targeting the NFL but took the wrong elevator.
"It appears that he was blaming the NFL for his condition," Mayor Adams said.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said that one NFL employee was critically injured in the shooting.
 |
Shane Tamura in 2015, during his time as a football player. Photo: DailyNews PrepSports |
Shane Tamura in 2015, during his time as a football player. Photo: DailyNews PrepSports
According to those who knew him, Tamura was a star football player in high school. His coach described him as one of the most talented athletes he had ever encountered.
A former high school teammate said Tamura suffered a brain injury while playing and missed several games and practices.
New York officials confirmed that Tamura acted alone and possessed a valid gun license.
Ngoc Anh (Business Insider, CNN, ABC)
