Manhattan Mass Shooting: Suspect’s Elevator Error Led to Deadly Rampage Across Two Floors - 27-year-old Shane Devon Tamura of Las Vegas

NEW YORK, NY — July 28, 2025 — A mass shooting that left five dead, including an off-duty NYPD officer, in a Midtown Manhattan skyscraper was marked by a chilling detail: the gunman opened fire on two floors after mistakenly exiting an elevator on the wrong level, law enforcement sources revealed Tuesday. The tragedy unfolded at 345 Park Avenue, a prominent office building housing major firms like Blackstone and the National Football League.

The suspect, identified as 27-year-old Shane Devon Tamura of Las Vegas, entered the building around 6:30 p.m. Monday armed with a Palmetto State Armory AR-15 rifle in .223-caliber, according to police. Authorities say Tamura began his attack in the lobby before taking an elevator, intending to reach a specific floor. However, he exited prematurely on an unintended floor—believed to be the second—where he opened fire, killing two civilians. Confused or enraged, Tamura then returned to the elevator and continued to the 33rd floor, where he fatally shot two more victims, including the off-duty officer, before taking his own life.“The suspect’s error in getting off on the wrong floor appears to have escalated the chaos, leading to victims on multiple levels,” said an NYPD official, speaking on condition of anonymity as the investigation remains ongoing. Tamura was found with a Nevada concealed carry permit, but his motive is still unclear, with no known connection to the building’s tenants.

The attack claimed five lives, including four civilians and the off-duty officer, who was working security and was shot in the back. Two others were injured, one critically, police said. The NYPD confirmed Tamura acted alone, and the scene was secured after a floor-by-floor sweep. Commissioner Jessica Tisch, in a statement posted on X, called the incident a “devastating loss for our city.”Witnesses described a scene of terror. “We heard rapid gunfire, like something out of a movie,” said Michael Torres, an employee on the second floor. “We barricaded ourselves in an office until police got us out.” Surveillance footage is being reviewed to trace Tamura’s movements, with sources indicating the elevator error may have stemmed from unfamiliarity with the building’s layout.

Mayor Eric Adams reiterated calls to avoid the Park Avenue area during the investigation, while Governor Kathy Hochul praised first responders. On X, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer demanded action on gun violence, stating, “This senseless loss must be a turning point.” The Gun Violence Archive notes this as the 254th mass shooting in the U.S. this year, defined as an incident with four or more victims, excluding the shooter.

KPMG US, a tenant at 345 Park Avenue, expressed grief: “We are heartbroken for the victims and their families, and we thank the brave first responders who acted swiftly.” The building remains closed as the FBI assists in processing the scene.Authorities are working to notify victims’ families and piece together Tamura’s movements and intentions. The revelation of the elevator mistake has added a layer of complexity to an already horrific event, raising questions about the randomness of the attack and intensifying calls for answers in a city grappling with grief.