Shane Tamura, gunman in shooting at NFL headquarters, had CTE: Medical examiner

Shane Tamura, a 27-year-old man from Las Vegas, drove cross-country to the New York headquarters of the NFL where he opened fire, killing four individuals. The New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed on Friday that Tamura had Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain condition commonly found in individuals with a history of repeated head trauma.

In a three-page note found in Tamura’s pocket, he claimed to have a traumatic brain injury and blamed the NFL for allegedly concealing the dangers of head injuries to maximize profits. He also wrote, “Study my brain please. I’m sorry,” indicating his awareness of the impact his condition may have had on his actions.

Tamura ultimately died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, leaving behind a trail of devastation in his wake. The medical examiner’s office stated that the CTE found in Tamura’s brain tissue was classified as low-stage CTE, in line with current consensus criteria. They emphasized that CTE is commonly associated with individuals who have experienced repeated head trauma, and that the science surrounding the condition is still evolving.

While the medical examiner’s office did not explicitly state that CTE played a role in Tamura’s violent actions, the presence of the condition raises important questions about the potential link between brain injuries and aggressive behavior. The tragic incident resulted in the loss of four lives, including a security guard, an executive at Blackstone, a police officer, and a young employee at Rudin Management.

As this story continues to unfold, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing and understanding the long-term effects of head injuries, particularly in high-impact sports like football. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.