What the Autopsy of NFL HQ Gunman Reveals About CTE

A gunman who killed four people in a Manhattan office building housing the NFL headquarters has been posthumously diagnosed with CTE. Shane Tamura, 27, carried out the shooting on July 28. The New York City medical examiner confirmed the presence of the degenerative brain condition.

The report found “unambiguous diagnostic evidence” of low-stage chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Tamura left a note blaming the NFL for concealing the dangers of brain injuries from football.

Understanding the CTE Diagnosis and the Shooter’s Motives

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a brain disease linked to repeated head injuries. It causes the progressive degeneration of brain nerve cells. According to the Mayo Clinic, a definitive diagnosis can only be made after death.

Tamura’s three-page note, found in his wallet, explicitly stated he believed he had CTE. He implored authorities to “study my brain” after his death. His grievances centered on the NFL prioritizing profits over player safety regarding brain trauma.

The gunman did not play professional football. He did, however, play during his high school years in Southern California. Officials also revealed Tamura had been hospitalized twice in recent years during mental health crises.

Broader Implications for Sports and Brain Trauma Science

The tragedy casts a renewed spotlight on the long-term consequences of contact sports. The NFL acknowledged the link between football and CTE in a 2016 congressional testimony after years of denial. The league has since paid over $1.4 billion to settle concussion-related claims with retired players.

In a statement, the NFL condemned Tamura’s “horrific and senseless acts.” The league also noted that the science around CTE continues to evolve. The physical and mental manifestations of the disease remain under intensive study by researchers.

Medical experts stress that CTE is thought to develop years or decades after head trauma occurs. There is currently no cure for the condition, and no validated test for it in living people. The medical examiner’s report did not specify the origin of Tamura’s CTE but noted it is often found in individuals with a history of repeated head impacts.

The post-mortem diagnosis of CTE in the Manhattan NFL office shooter provides a tragic, direct link between a violent act and the complex, devastating brain disease.

Info at your fingertips

What is CTE?

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive brain disease. It is associated with repeated blows to the head. It can only be definitively diagnosed after death through a brain autopsy.

What are the symptoms of CTE?

Symptoms include problems with thinking, memory, and emotional control. Physical symptoms can include difficulty with motor functions. These issues typically develop years after the head trauma occurs.

Did the gunman play professional football?

No, Shane Tamura was not a professional football player. He did play the sport during his high school years. He worked as a casino employee in Las Vegas at the time of the shooting.

How did the NFL respond to the incident?

The NFL condemned the shooting as “horrific and senseless.” The league also referenced the evolving science around CTE. They noted the disease’s manifestations are still under active study.

Is there a cure or test for CTE?

There is currently no cure for CTE. Researchers are working to develop tests for living patients, but none have been validated yet. Management focuses on treating the symptoms.

Trusted Sources

The Associated Press, Mayo Clinic, New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.