United States (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Shane Tamura, the gunman who killed four people in a Manhattan office tower housing the NFL headquarters, was confirmed by the New York City medical examiner to have had early-stage Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). Tamura’s own note blamed the NFL for concealing the dangers of the brain disease linked to repeated head trauma.
Medical Examiner Confirms CTE in Shane Tamura’s Brain
As reported by Scripps News and CTV News on 25-26 September 2025, the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) revealed that thorough neuropathological analysis found “unambiguous diagnostic evidence” of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) in the brain tissue of Shane Tamura, 27, the gunman responsible for the July 28 shooting at the NFL headquarters in Manhattan.
The OCME stated the findings corresponded with a low-stage classification of CTE, a degenerative brain condition caused by repeated head injuries, predominantly seen in contact sport athletes and military veterans.
Details of the Manhattan NFL Office Shooting
On 28 July 2025, Tamura opened fire in the lobby of 345 Park Avenue, the office building housing the National Football League’s headquarters, killing four people and wounding another before taking his own life.
The victims included NYPD Detective Didarul Islam, security guard Aland Etienne, Julia Hyman, an executive at Rudin Management, and Wesley LePatner, an office worker in the building. An NFL employee was injured but survived.
Authorities investigated the attack as an intentional act targeting the NFL, motivated by Tamura’s anger at the League’s alleged concealment of brain injury risks.
Gunman’s Note Accuses NFL of Concealing Brain Injury Risks
Authorities discovered a three-page note in Tamura’s possession, in which he claimed to have CTE and implored investigators to “Study my brain.” The note explicitly accused the NFL of prioritising profits over player safety by hiding the true dangers of chronic head trauma.
Tamura described his brain injury as the driver behind his actions and expressed remorse, writing, “I’m sorry,” and calling for research into CTE to prevent future suffering.
CTE: A Degenerative Brain Disease Linked to Contact Sports
CTE is a progressive neurodegenerative disease caused by repetitive brain trauma, including concussions common in football and other contact sports. Symptoms can include memory loss, mood disorders, impulsivity, and cognitive decline.
While CTE can only be diagnosed post-mortem through brain tissue analysis, growing awareness has linked the disease to symptoms observed in many former NFL and professional athletes.
Public and NFL Response to Findings
The confirmation of CTE in Tamura’s brain intensifies discussions on the effects of head trauma in football and responsibility of organisations like the NFL. The League reiterated its commitment to player safety and ongoing research, distancing itself from the violent actions of Tamura.
Experts stress that while CTE can influence behaviour, the causality between the disease and violent acts remains complex and not wholly understood.
Legal and Societal Implications
Tamura’s case raises questions about mental health, brain injury awareness, and the mechanisms for protecting athletes and individuals exposed to head trauma. It also highlights the ramifications of untreated brain disorders on public safety and calls for enhanced research funding.
Advocates urge greater transparency and preventative measures within sports and military contexts to mitigate CTE risk.
The confirmation that Shane Tamura suffered from CTE adds a critical dimension to understanding the motives behind the tragic Manhattan shooting that took four lives. His accusatory note against the NFL further fuels ongoing debates about brain injuries in contact sports.
This case underscores the importance of continued scientific and medical focus on CTE and its wide-ranging impacts on individuals and society, while prompting reflection on sport safety protocols and mental health support.
