Former Football Player Had Brain Disease, Medical Examiner Says
NEW YORK – A man who opened fire in a Manhattan office building, killing four, had a brain disease often linked to football, according to the New York City medical examiner.
Shane Tamura, 27, who once played high school football, was found to have chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). This disease, which can only be diagnosed after death, has been connected to repeated head injuries.
Tamura shot and killed four people in the office building on July 28 before taking his own life. The victims included a police officer, a security guard, and two workers in the building.
A note found on Tamura claimed he had CTE and asked for his brain to be studied.
The NFL, which was reportedly the intended target of Tamura’s attack, stated that there is “no justification for the horrific and senseless acts that took place.” They also noted that the science around CTE is still developing.
CTE affects parts of the brain that control behavior and emotions. While the NFL has acknowledged a link between football and CTE, some worry that the focus on this disease might distract from other potential causes of violence and mental health issues. Some believe individual responsibility and addressing mental health are key to preventing such tragedies, rather than solely blaming external factors like football.
Tamura played high school football but never played professionally. He also had a history of mental illness, including a past arrest for trespassing.
