Shane Tamura, Midtown Shooter, Diagnosed With Low-Stage CTE After Death

Shane Tamura, the man who killed four people and then himself in a shooting at the NFL headquarters building, was posthumously diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTA), according to a statement from the New York City Officer of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME). 

The Details: According to CBS News (Lean Left bias), Tamura, 27, had left written notes after the attack that he suspected he had CTE, with one saying, "Study my brain please. I'm sorry." OCME confirmed "unambiguous diagnostic evidence" of CTE, a condition that can only be diagnosed posthumously, saying, "The findings correspond with the classification of low-stage CTE, according to current consensus criteria." 

For Context: In July, Tamura–a former high school football player–carried out a Midtown Manhattan shooting that killed four people, including an NYPD detective, before fatally shooting himself. The victims included Aland Etienne, Wesley LePatner, Julia Hyman, and NYPD Detective Didraul Islam. Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy is a progressive, degenerative brain disease caused by repeated head injuries, such as concussions or repeated sub-concussive impacts. As of early 2023, the Boston University CTE Center had diagnosed CTE in 345 of 376 deceased former NFL players studied (91.7%). 

How the Media Covered It: CBS News mentioned investigators believe Tamura was targeting the NFL offices inside the office building. It also said Tamura suffered from migraines and mental illness, as well as multiple concussions, and that he left a three-page note found in his pocket saying he wanted his brain donated to science. The New York Post (Lean Right) described Tamura's notes as "rambling," and called CTE a "rare brain disease." It highlighted Tamura's mental health struggles after high school. The Wall Street Journal (Center) said Tamura's suicide note "put the spotlight on CTE, which has become a significant concern in contact sports like football."

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