Posthumous CTE Diagnosis for Gunman in July NFL HQ Shooting Fuels Debate
Posthumous CTE Diagnosis for Gunman in July NFL HQ Shooting Fuels Debate
Shane Tamura, the gunman responsible for a fatal shooting at an NYC office building housing the NFL headquarters in July, was posthumously diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), according to a recent report from the New York City medical examiner’s office.
The degenerative brain disease, commonly linked to repeated head injuries sustained in contact sports like football, can only be confirmed after death. Tamura died by suicide following the rampage, which claimed four lives. Investigators had previously found a note in Tamura’s pocket, reportedly blaming the NFL for concealing the risks of brain injury in football and claiming he suffered from CTE due to his high school playing days.
The medical examiner confirmed “unambiguous diagnostic evidence of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy… in the brain tissue of the decedent,” classifying it as low-stage CTE. However, the office also cautioned against directly linking the condition to the tragic event. “We’re unable – as I don’t think science would be able to at all at this point – to say what role CTE played in that particular incident, causing that incident,” the medical examiner stated.
In response, the NFL reiterated its condolences, stating, “We continue to grieve the senseless loss of lives, and our hearts remain with the victims’ families and our dedicated employees. There is no justification for the horrific acts that took place.” The league also echoed the medical examiner’s sentiment that “the science around this condition continues to evolve, and the physical and mental manifestations of CTE remain under study.”
CTE, a neurodegenerative condition, has been observed in athletes and military veterans, associated with symptoms such as memory loss, mood changes, confusion, and impulsivity. The victims of the July shooting included off-duty NYPD officer Didarul Islam, Blackstone executive Wesley LePatner, security officer Aland Etienne, and Rudin Management employee Julia Hyman. A fifth victim, an NFL employee, was seriously injured.
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