The 27-year-old man accused of shooting and killing four people at a Midtown Manhattan office building on Monday was found carrying a note claiming he suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and requesting that his brain be studied, according to police sources. The note also included references to the National Football League (NFL), officials said.
CTE is a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma and concussions, which can only be definitively diagnosed through a brain autopsy after death. The suspect, Shane Tamura, who has a documented history of mental health issues, played high school football. Authorities reported that Tamura allegedly killed four individuals, including an off-duty police officer providing security at the building, located at 345 Park Avenue—the site of the NFL’s headquarters and other businesses. While police have not released a clear motive, the three-page note was described by sources as rambling, with vague mentions of the NFL. The NFL confirmed that one of its employees was injured during the shooting.