Midtown Shooter Shane Tamura Diagnosed with Low-Stage CTE, Sparks Renewed Debate on Brain Trauma and Violence
Midtown Shooter Shane Tamura Diagnosed with Low-Stage CTE, Sparks Renewed Debate on Brain Trauma and Violence
Shane Tamura, the gunman responsible for the deadly Midtown Manhattan shooting in July, suffered from low-stage Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), New York’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner announced Friday. This significant revelation comes months after Tamura killed four people and himself on July 28, an act he foreshadowed in handwritten notes referencing CTE and requesting his brain be studied.
The OCME’s neuropathology experts confirmed ‘unambiguous diagnostic evidence’ of low-stage CTE, a degenerative brain disease commonly associated with repeated head injuries. Tamura, a 27-year-old former high school football player, reportedly had a history of migraines, mental illness, and multiple concussions, factors that align with the risk profile for the condition.
Investigators believe Tamura specifically targeted NFL offices within the building, with his notes accusing the league of knowingly concealing the dangers of brain trauma. CTE expert Chris Nowinski, whose name also appeared in Tamura’s final note, highlighted that 12 years of playing football significantly increases the risk for CTE. While emphasizing the need to keep the focus on the victims, Nowinski described the incident as a ‘wake-up call’ for greater prevention of brain trauma in young athletes, noting that even low-stage CTE involves significant brain cell death affecting judgment and behavior.
The diagnosis reignites discussions around CTE’s link to behavioral changes and its prevalence in contact sports. The NFL, which has faced scrutiny over brain injury protocols, acknowledged the findings, stating that ‘the science around this condition continues to evolve’ and reiterating ongoing efforts to prevent head injuries. The BU CTE Center has reported CTE in 345 out of 376 former NFL players it has tested, underscoring the widespread impact of the disease.
Disclaimer: This content is aggregated from public sources online. Please verify information independently. If you believe your rights have been infringed, contact us for removal.