A medical examiner has confirmed that Shane Tamura, the Las Vegas gunman who killed four people inside a Manhattan office on July 28, had CTE. Investigators say Tamura originally intended to target the NFL headquarters but entered the wrong elevator.
Tamura revealed in a note before ending his life that he believed he had CTE, which he said had been diagnosed, and asked those who discovered his body to “study my brain.” He also wrote that his main issue with the NFL was that the league prioritizes profits over player health and safety by reportedly hiding the harm caused by CTE.
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Background
According to the Associated Press, Tamura did not play professional football but participated in high school football in California. The medical examiner’s findings add weight to Tamura’s note but do not excuse the attack.
The NFL released a statement acknowledging the findings but rejecting any link to his actions. “The findings do not justify Tamura’s actions and the science around this condition continues to evolve, and the physical and mental manifestations of CTE remain under study,” the league stated.
Mental Health History
Tamura had a documented history of mental health struggles. In 2022, his mother called 911 and reported that he had threatened to end his life. She also said he suffered from depression, chronic migraines, insomnia, and multiple concussions from sports contact. He had been hospitalized twice for mental health crises before the shooting.
The confirmation of CTE in Tamura’s brain highlights the ongoing concerns about head trauma and its long-term effects, even for those who never play professional sports. It also underscores the need for more research and transparency around the condition and how it impacts mental health and behavior.