Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York released a statement on Tuesday, July 29 after a gunman killed four people at a New York City high rise office building on Monday. The gunman, identified as Shane Devon Tamura, 27, then killed himself.
The office building, 345 Park Avenue, is located two blocks away from Saint Patrick's Cathedral, the cathedral for the Archdiocese of New York. The building contains offices for the headquarters of the National Football League (NFL), Deutsche Bank, KPMG and Blackstone, among others.
"Yesterday, a tragedy struck our neighborhood, just two blocks away from Saint Patrick’s Cathedral. We are heartbroken by the loss of life. The victims, those who were injured, and their families are in our prayers," said Cardinal Dolan in the statement, which was shared on his social media pages.
It is important, said Dolan, that humanity "never get used to violence or lose our respect for the sacredness of every human life."
"When this violence happens on our streets, it is especially heinous. Our love and concern go especially to the families of those killed and to our beloved NYPD community," he said.
Police officer
One of the four killed was NYPD Officer Didarul Islam. New York City Mayor Eric Adams ordered that flags be flown at half-staff "until further notice," out of respect for Officer Islam and the others killed in Monday's shooting.
The NYPD remembered Islam as "the very best of our department" and requested prayers.
"He was protecting New Yorkers from danger when his life was tragically cut short today. We join in prayer during this time of incomprehensible pain. We will forever honor his legacy," said the NYPD.
Motive
Later on Tuesday, Tamura's apparent motive was revealed. Adams said authorities “have reason to believe that he was focused on the N.F.L.,” which has offices at the tower.
A three-page note found on the gunman mentioned football along with claims that he suffered from the degenerative brain disease chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or C.T.E., from playing the game.
The man shot himself in the chest, and the note asked that his brain be examined. C.T.E. can only be diagnosed during an autopsy.
