NEW YORK – Because the NYPD continues piecing collectively the motive behind a lethal Manhattan capturing rampage, officers now say the gunman purchased the AR-15-style rifle and automotive used within the assault from his supervisor at a Las Vegas on line casino.
Shane Tamura, 27, fatally shot 4 individuals Monday at a midtown workplace constructing that homes the Nationwide Soccer League’s headquarters earlier than killing himself. Police stated Wednesday the weapon and car got here from Tamura’s former boss on the Horseshoe Las Vegas, the place he labored within the surveillance division.
Detectives additionally uncovered prescription medicines and disturbing handwritten notes in Tamura’s Las Vegas house, together with one the place he claimed to undergo from a mind illness linked to contact sports activities and accused the NFL of overlaying up its risks. One other observe apologized to his mom, referencing emotions of disgrace and disappointment.
How did the NYC shooter get the rifle?
The backstory:
Tamura purchased the rifle and the automotive from his Las Vegas supervisor for $1,400, NYPD officers stated. Whereas preliminary experiences steered the supervisor supplied solely components of the rifle, police now verify it was a whole AR-15-style firearm. The supervisor, who has not been named, is cooperating with regulation enforcement and has not been charged.
Investigators say Tamura drove the automotive cross-country to New York, the place he carried out the assault within the constructing’s foyer and on the thirty third ground. The victims included constructing safety employees, an funding government, and an NYPD officer working an accepted second job.
What they’re saying:
“We misplaced a hero,” stated Smith Etienne, youthful brother of fallen foyer safety guard Aland Etienne. “He didn’t put on no cape. Had no fancy gear. He wore a safety officer’s uniform.”
Tamura additionally referenced the rifle’s vendor in a observe present in his pockets, writing apologetically concerning the buy, in keeping with NYPD officers.
On the funeral for 27-year-old Julia Hyman, an actual property analyst killed on the thirty third ground, her uncle Rob Pittman remembered her as somebody who lived “with extensive open eyes” and “braveness and conviction.” Hyman had labored at Rudin Administration since November and was a Cornell graduate and a former tri-sport athlete at Riverdale Nation Faculty.
Timeline:
The investigation continues to unfold throughout two states, as authorities work to hint the gunman’s last days, digital exercise, and attainable motivations.
- Monday: Tamura opens fireplace within the constructing’s foyer, then kills further victims upstairs earlier than taking his personal life.
- Wednesday: NYPD confirms the origin of the rifle and automotive; funerals start for victims.
- Thursday: Funeral for NYPD Officer Didarul Islam, who was killed in uniform whereas working a safety job.
Native perspective:
The constructing the place the capturing occurred sits within the coronary heart of Manhattan’s enterprise district and homes high-profile tenants, together with the NFL. The town continues to be grappling with the shock of violence unfolding inside a location many affiliate with status and safety.
The incident additionally renewed consideration on New York’s gun legal guidelines—and the difficulties posed by out-of-state firearm entry, significantly from jurisdictions like Nevada with looser laws.
What’s subsequent:
Police are persevering with to research Tamura’s background and digital footprint. NYPD groups are nonetheless in Las Vegas working to acquire search warrants for his telephone and laptop computer, they usually plan to talk along with his mother and father. Prosecutors in each states are reviewing the case, however no further expenses have been filed.
The Supply: This report relies on data from the Related Press, together with reporting by Jennifer Peltz and Dave Collins. Further particulars have been supplied by the New York Police Division throughout a press briefing on July 30. The story consists of direct quotes from sufferer relations and official updates on the investigation’s standing in New York and Las Vegas.
