MIDTOWN MASS SHOOTING: Five people, including gunman and cop, dead in office building rampage

Police say that five people, including an officer and the shooter, have died in a mass shooting rampage at a Midtown office building on Monday evening.

According to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, on July 28 at around 6:28 p.m., police responded to 911 calls regarding shots fired at 345 Park Ave. Surveillance footage showed the shooter, identified as 27-year-old Shane Tamiea of Las Vegas, leave a parked black BMW nearby and enter the building holding an M-4 rifle.

Evidence indicates that Tameia drove across the United States for several days before arriving in New York on Monday evening.

Upon entering the lobby, Tamiea began to open fire — spraying the area with bullets. The first shots struck Police Officer Didarul Islam, 36, assigned to the 47th Precinct and working an off-duty security detail, and another woman. Both Islam and the woman died of their injuries.

“He was doing the job that we asked him to do. He put himself in harm’s way; he made the ultimate sacrifice,” Tisch said, “shot in cold blood and wearing a uniform that stood for the promise that he made to this city. He died as he lived: a hero.”

Islam was a four-year NYPD veteran and immigrant from Bangladesh, Tisch said. He leaves behind a wife and two young boys, with a third child on the way.

“We lost four souls in another senseless act of gun violence, including a member of the New York City Police Department, Officer Islam. He was just 36 years old. He was doing what he does best, and all members of the police department carry out, he was saving lives,” said Mayor Adams. “He was protecting New Yorkers.”

Gunman continued to unleash ‘pure evil’ 

Early details show that Tamiea shot and killed a security guard near the elevator before getting on the elevator, where he let a woman exit without any injury before getting on himself.

He went to the 33rd floor, which houses Rudin Management, and fired into the area, killing one person. Tamiea then went down the hallway and fatally shot himself in the chest, according to Tisch. 

The identity of the other deceased victims, a man and two women, of the shooter is not yet known. Another man was injured in the shooting and is in critical but stable condition.

All of the victims’ identities have been withheld, pending family notification.

According to police, the BMW at the scene was registered to Tamiea. Inside the car, police found a rifle case with rounds, a loaded revolver, ammo and magazines, a backpack and medication prescribed to Tamiea. Tisch said he had a documented mental health history.

But as of late Monday night, it remains unclear why Tameia, who has a documented mental health history, targeted this building in this city in an act that Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry described as “pure evil.”

“There are still many questions that we have to answer, and we will answer them,” Tisch added. “But for now, our city is in mourning for the innocent lives lost. May their memories be a blessing.”

A scene of panic

At about 7 p.m. Monday, people began emerging from the Park Avenue building, which houses Rudin Management, KPMG, Blackstone and the NFL headquarters, their hands held high, many in tears as police escorted them to safety. 

Mayor Eric Adams, in remarks posted on Citizen, said the situation is under control with the alleged shooter having been neutralized. He advised people still in the building to remain in place until police can escort them out to safety.

Due to police activity, New Yorkers are advised to stay clear of Park Avenue and 53rd Street, as well as East 52nd Street and Lexington Avenue. The emergency response can result in traffic delays, road closures, and mass transit disruptions.

The investigation remains ongoing. A press conference about the incident is expected to take place later Monday evening. 

“I extend my deepest condolences to the loved ones of those lost in tonight’s tragic Midtown shooting, including an off-duty NYPD officer, and keep the injured in our thoughts and prayers for a full and speedy recovery,” said  Public Advocate Jumaane Williams in a statement. “Our city is once again grieving from senseless acts of gun violence. We thank the NYPD and first responders who once again acted quickly and courageously. As we learn more and move forward, our office will continue to push for transparency, oversight, and the resources needed to keep our communities safe from such devastating, preventable tragedies.”

Two people, a man and a woman, were initially taken into custody at the scene amid the chaos. The woman reportedly had a cut on her head and the man allegedly said, “Free Palestine, I’m not the active shooter!” However, police determined they had attended a nearby protest and were caught up in the chaos, not tied to the shooting.