• A gunman killed four people in NYC, allegedly targeting NFL over brain injuries.
• Shane Tamura left a note claiming he suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
• Tamura shot himself after the attack; his motive appears linked to grievances against the NFL.
• Concerns about safety in youth football have risen due to this incident.
• The NFL has faced scrutiny for its handling of brain injuries among players.

On July 28, Shane Tamura, a 27-year-old man, opened fire in a Manhattan skyscraper, killing four individuals and subsequently taking his own life. Authorities believe Tamura was targeting the National Football League (NFL) due to grievances related to brain injuries he suffered, specifically chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). He left a three-page note where he stated, "Football gave me CTE" and requested, "Study my brain please," highlighting his belief that the league concealed risks associated with the sport for profit, according to SCMP, Channel News Asia, and Al Jazeera.

The shooting began when Tamura fired shots in the lobby of the building, quickly killing a police officer on duty before continuing his rampage. Tamura mistakenly took an elevator to the 33rd floor where he shot and killed another person before ending his life. The incident drew significant media attention and sparked discussions about gun violence and mental health concerns surrounding NFL players, impacts of CTE, and the safety of youth playing football, as reported by Channel News Asia, Le Monde, and Los Angeles Times.

Mayor Eric Adams confirmed that Tamura's note indicated his belief that he had CTE, a progressive brain disease linked to repeated head injuries commonly suffered by contact sport athletes. While Tamura had not played in the NFL, he was noted to have been a standout football player in high school, where he likely sustained numerous head impacts. The NFL has faced legal scrutiny over its handling of player safety and brain injuries, having paid over $1 billion to settle related lawsuits, according to Al Jazeera, SCMP, and Le Monde.

This tragic incident has reignited a national conversation about the impacts of CTE and the danger associated with concussions in football, especially for youth players. Research indicates that CTE can affect young athletes, prompting legislative proposals to enhance safety measures in youth tackle football. Experts are urging close monitoring of youth sports practices to minimize head trauma risks, as highlighted by Los Angeles Times and SCMP.