What Is CTE? Brain Disease Cited by Midtown NYC Shooter Shane Tamura in Chilling Note

Shane Tamura, 27, blamed chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in a disturbing suicide note left behind after a deadly shooting inside a Midtown Manhattan office building on Monday, 28 July.

The attack took place in the same building that houses the NFL's headquarters, where Tamura opened fire before turning the gun on himself.

Tamura was not a professional athlete but had played American football during his high school years. He reportedly struggled with mental health issues for years.

In his final note, he accused the NFL of downplaying the dangers of CTE and requested that his brain be studied post-mortem.

Four people were killed in the shooting, while a fifth victim sustained injuries. Authorities say Tamura may have intended to target NFL offices but ended up on the wrong floor. The victims were a mix of office staff and bystanders.

What is CTE?

CTE, or chronic traumatic encephalopathy, is a degenerative brain condition associated with repeated head trauma. Most commonly found in athletes in contact sports like American football and boxing, CTE is linked to symptoms such as confusion, memory loss, depression, mood swings, violent behaviour, and suicidal thoughts.

The disease worsens over time and cannot currently be diagnosed in living individuals.

Crucially, CTE is not limited to those with major concussions. Experts say repeated minor impacts to the head may pose even greater long-term risks.

CTE's Rise to Public Awareness

The dangers of CTE entered mainstream discussion in the mid-2000s, when pathologists began uncovering signs of the disease in the brains of deceased NFL players.

A 2017 study by Boston University found signs of CTE in 110 out of 111 brains examined from former professional football players. Eventually, the NFL acknowledged the link between repeated head trauma and long-term brain damage.

CTE Beyond the NFL

Although commonly associated with elite athletes, CTE has also been found in high school and college-level players, military veterans, and others exposed to repetitive brain injuries.

Tamura, who never played professionally, claimed his symptoms started during his teenage football years. While no formal diagnosis has been made, his plea for posthumous brain analysis reflects a growing fear that CTE can go undetected until it's too late.

The Suicide Note

In his handwritten note, Tamura blamed the NFL for ignoring the risks of CTE. He referenced former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Terry Long, who died by suicide in 2005 and was posthumously diagnosed with the condition.

Tamura insisted his own brain had been damaged by youth football and asked that it be studied after his death.

Reaction and Fallout

While Tamura's violent actions have been universally condemned, his reference to CTE has reignited urgent discussions around brain trauma, mental health, and the need for support systems for young athletes.

Experts caution that while Tamura's claims are unverified, they highlight how early warning signs of brain damage or psychological decline can be overlooked—often with devastating consequences.

As authorities continue their investigation, Tamura's case underscores a haunting question: how many more are suffering in silence?