Las Vegas Casino Supervisor Sold Rifle, Car to New York Shooter

An armed assailant who killed four people at a Manhattan office building purchased the rifle and a car from his supervisor at a Las Vegas casino.

Shane Tamura, 27, fatally shot three people in the lobby of the building before taking the elevator up to the 33rd floor, where he fatally shot another person and then took his own life. In a note found in his pocket, Tamura claimed he suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a condition that has afflicted current and former NFL players.

Also injured in the shooting was an NFL employee, who was badly wounded but is expected to live. The building housed the NFL’s offices on the fifth through eighth floors.

A troubled past

The Horseshoe casino surveillance supervisor who sold Tamura the firearm and car he used to drive across the country from Nevada to New York, whose identity is being protected, is cooperating with the investigation. They have not been charged with any wrongdoing at this time.

Police revealed on Wednesday that the semi-automatic rifle was sold for $1,400. They had previously incorrectly said that the supervisor only sold parts of the rifle, including the firearm’s lower receiver.

They also confirmed that the supervisor sold Tamura a black BMW.

Tamura was a star running back in high school, though he never played in the NFL. According to CNN, one of his former coaches described him as “lightning in a bottle” and one of the most talented athletes he’d ever seen.

However, the undersized Tamura suffered several concussions, a former teammate of his confirmed.

The shooter’s note expressed several sources of contention with the NFL, which he said would “squash you.” He also asked for his brain to be studied to further understand the effects of CTE.

“Terry Long football gave me CTE and it caused me to drink a gallon of antifreeze,” Tamura’s note read, referencing former NFL player Terry Long, who was diagnosed with CTE and committed suicide by drinking antifreeze in 2005.

The investigation continues

Tamura’s attack took the lives of New York City police officer Didarul Islam, Blackstone real estate executive Wesley LePatner, security guard Aland Etienne, and Rudin Management associate Julia Hyman.

A search of Tamura’s Vegas studio apartment found a suicide note, in which the shooter apologized for disappointing his mother.

Police also recovered psychiatric medication, an epilepsy drug, and an anti-inflammatory.

The rifle Tamura purchased from his supervisor had been legally purchased in the first place. Tamura also alluded to his supervisor in the note found in his pocket, stating he was sorry for involving him in his spree.

Also found in Tamura’s apartment were a tripod for a rifle, a box for a revolver that was found in his car, and ammunition for both weapons.

The shooter had a documented history of mental health issues, though police have not disclosed the details.