‘Felt like a war zone’: How eyewitnesses reacted when Shane Tamura opened fire in NYC skyscraper, killing five at 345 Park Avenue

Five killed in Midtown NYC skyscraper shooting at 345 Park Avenue

At least five individuals, including a police officer, were killed Monday evening when a gunman opened fire inside a high-rise office tower in Midtown Manhattan, according to officials. The shooting occurred at 345 Park Avenue, a prominent commercial address that houses major firms such as Blackstone, the National Football League (NFL), and KPMG.

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The incident unfolded during the evening commute, with office workers preparing to leave for the day. Gunfire erupted within the 44-story NYC skyscraper, prompting panic among employees and emergency lockdowns across the surrounding area. Multiple injuries were also reported.

Eyewitnesses describe panic at 345 Park Avenue

“We heard multiple shots in quick succession from the ground floor,” said Jessica Chen, who was attending a presentation on the second floor. “Some people ran out through the back exit, while others, including me, rushed into a conference room. We barricaded the doors with tables and stayed silent.” Chen said around 150 people were in the room at the time. “I texted my parents to tell them I love them. It’s a feeling you can’t explain,” she added.

Images from inside the building showed employees on the 32nd floor using office furniture to block entry points. Neighboring buildings issued shelter-in-place alerts, with instructions to remain away from windows. Nekeisha Lewis, who had been dining nearby, reported seeing glass shatter from the building’s first-floor windows.

“I heard gunshots, looked up, and saw the glass explode. A man ran out of the building screaming, ‘Help, help! I’ve been shot!’ Blood was pouring from his front and back,” she told NBC News. A colleague helped the injured man to the ground as police rushed in. “It felt like being in a war zone,” Lewis added. “There was rapid fire, shattered glass, screaming; it was surreal.”

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Gunman identified as Shane Tamura of Las Vegas

Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators shows the gunman, identified as 27-year-old Shane Tamura from Las Vegas, calmly entering the skyscraper with an assault weapon. After opening fire in the lobby and common areas, Tamura proceeded to the 33rd floor. Authorities believe he then barricaded himself before dying from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

“I was just a block away when I heard the shots. Then I saw dozens of police officers rushing toward the building,” said Oleksandr Stupak, 30, who had been standing across the street. “I opened the Citizen app and saw there was an active shooter. It was chaos.”

A visibly distressed man outside a nearby building described the events over the phone: “I was at work in the lobby… someone came in with an assault rifle and started shooting.” He showed injuries to his hand and leg as first responders arrived.

Lockdowns initiated across Midtown following skyscraper shooting

The violence prompted immediate lockdowns across Midtown Manhattan, with police cordoning off several blocks around the skyscraper. Building managers instructed workers to shelter in place, and some offices were evacuated under law enforcement guidance.

“People came running back in saying someone on the street was shouting about an active shooter,” said Kathleen Benanti, an employee at a neighboring firm. “We were told to stay low and keep away from the windows.”

Benanti, who also lived through the September 11 attacks, said the experience triggered past trauma. “The sounds, the fear, it brought everything back for a moment. I’m OK now, but it was a lot.”

Authorities investigating motive behind NYC skyscraper shooting

Law enforcement officials are actively investigating the motive behind the Midtown NYC shooting. Authorities have not yet released details regarding any connection Tamura may have had to the building or its tenants.

Anna Smith, a finance professional, was on the same block at the time. “We heard loud pops and then saw people sprinting in all directions,” she told ESPN. “It turned into crowd panic.”

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The incident has reignited national conversation around gun violence in commercial spaces, particularly in dense urban centers such as Manhattan. No details have been shared regarding how Tamura obtained the weapon or how he accessed the building.

Police are expected to provide an update on the investigation later this week.