The gunman who police say shot and killed four people in a New York City office building was carrying a letter claiming he suffered from CTE when police found his body after he turned the gun on himself, according to multiple media reports.
Shane Devon Tamura had what police told the New York Times was a three-page letter in his wallet containing references to the NFL, which has its corporate headquarters in the Park Avenue building where the shooting took place on Monday, June 28.
‘He appeared to have blamed the NFL for his injury,’ New York City Mayor Eric Adams told ‘CBS Mornings’ on Tuesday.
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a degenerative brain condition that happens after repeated head injuries. It is commonly associated with athletes who have endured repeated head trauma in sports such as football, which Tamura reportedly played in high school.
What was in Shane Tamura’s note?
The New York Times reported police said the note mentioned former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Terry Long, who was diagnosed with CTE.
The note also referenced drinking ‘a gallon of antifreeze,’ which is what Long did in taking his own life in 2005.
“Please study brain for CTE. I’m sorry,’ the Times reported the note said, according to excerpts released by police.
Police say Tamura shot himself in the chest, not in the head.