Inquiries arise concerning the NYC shooter's confidential occupation at a Las Vegas casino, raising security concerns.
Manhattan Shooting Suspect's Past Revealed: Las Vegas Casino Employee with Expired License and Mental Health History
New York City detectives are working tirelessly to uncover the motives behind the deadly shooting at a Manhattan office tower, which left four people dead and an NFL employee wounded. The gunman, identified as Shane Tamura, was a former employee of the Horseshoe Las Vegas casino.
Tamura, a 27-year-old ex-resident of Las Vegas, held a position in the casino's surveillance department. This role, as part of a security-sensitive industry, typically requires stringent licensing and background checks. However, Tamura's work card issued by the Nevada Private Investigators Licensing Board had expired in December.
Investigators are now focusing on tracing Tamura's steps from Las Vegas to New York City. The Las Vegas police are supporting the NYPD with their investigation, and two groups of New York City detectives are on their way to Las Vegas to conduct interviews and search Tamura's home.
Questions have arisen about how Tamura, with a documented mental health history and a prior arrest for erratic behavior at a Las Vegas casino in 2023, was able to maintain employment in such a security-sensitive position and possess a concealed firearms permit issued by Las Vegas police.
Tamura had a history of mental health problems, and he left a note stating he had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma. The details of his psychiatric history and his role at the Horseshoe Las Vegas casino, including whether he was authorized to carry a weapon, have not been disclosed.
Tamura's former classmate, Roby, described him as quiet, soft-spoken, humble, and dynamic on the field. Tamura was a standout running back during his high school years in Southern California. He attended Golden Valley High School, which has over 2,000 students.
The NFL's offices were the intended target of the shooting, but Tamura took the wrong elevator. Tamura had "assembled" the AR-15-style assault rifle and used his concealed carry permit to purchase a revolver last month. His associate in New York City is currently being questioned by authorities.
Details about the police activity at Tamura's home have not been disclosed. The Las Vegas police have not released any information regarding their investigation at Tamura's residence.
Associated Press journalist Safiyah Riddle contributed from Montgomery, Alabama. The investigation is ongoing, and more details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.
- Despite his mental health history and a prior arrest for erratic behavior at a Las Vegas casino, Shane Tamura was able to maintain employment in a security-sensitive position and possess a concealed firearms permit.
- In addition to his position at the Horseshoe Las Vegas casino, Tamura had a notable background in sports, particularly football, having been a standout running back during his high school years.
- The suspected shooter, Tamura, had a documented mental health history and had written a note stating he had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma.
- Apart from his interest in science, health-and-wellness, and mental health, Tamura also showed an interest in casino-and-gambling, as he was a former employee of the Horseshoe Las Vegas casino.
