NEWTOWN, Conn. – A gunman opened fire with a rifle in a high-profile office tower in New York City on Monday, killing four people including a police officer, and critically wounding another, before dying by suicide. Following surgery, the injured victim is said to be in stable condition as of Tuesday morning.
The attack took place at 345 Park Avenue, a prominent building that acts as the headquarters of several organizations, including the National Football League (NFL), Blackstone, JPMorgan, and KPMG.
Authorities identified the suspect as a Las Vegas resident with a documented history of mental health concerns. Records indicate they were placed under two Mental Health Crisis Holds in Nevada in 2024 and 2022. Under such holds, a person can be temporarily detained or hospitalized if they are thought to be a danger to themselves or others.
A note reportedly left in the suspect’s pocket claimed they had endured chronic traumatic encephalopathy, more commonly known as CTE, from head injuries experienced while playing football. While no medical evidence has yet confirmed this claim, New York City Mayor Eric Adams commented that this individual may have been attempting to target the NFL’s offices. The suspect did not reach the NFL’s offices, however.
In response to this attack, Mark Barden, co-founder and co-CEO of Sandy Hook Promise and father of Daniel, who was killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy, issued the following statement:
“This shocking and egregious attack has devastated four families, profoundly injured one individual, and shattered the safety of thousands of others who were present in the Park Avenue building. We stand with the victims, their loved ones, and the wider community in condemning this senseless act of gun violence. And we encourage law enforcement’s continued investigation into the warning signs and other circumstances that preceded this attack.
“Initial reports have focused on the suspect’s mental health, but it should be noted there are many persistent myths about the links between mental health and gun violence. The presence of a mental health condition alone does not make a person more likely to commit violent acts.
“In this tragedy, the fact that the suspect was placed under two separate mental health holds by law enforcement and had access to firearms were clear warning signs that indicated a serious situation was brewing. That’s why it’s so important to recognize these signals and get help when needed. Nevada has laws pertaining to the temporary transfer of firearms when an individual is in crisis. These laws are known as high-risk protection orders in Nevada, and they help prevent acts of gun-related violence and suicides by temporarily separating an at-risk individual from firearms.
“Additionally, we must continue to advocate for more mental health support and services in our communities. This is another way we can intervene early, provide support, and prevent acts of violence and self-harm. Expanding access to quality treatment and other mental health services will not only save lives but will also transform them for the better, helping to create a safer future for all.”
For more information about the warning signs of violence and self-harm, as well as actions that everyone can take to advocate for expanded mental health resources nationwide, please visit sandyhookpromise.org.
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Sandy Hook Promise (SHP) envisions a future where all children are free from school shootings and other acts of violence. As a national nonprofit organization, SHP’s mission is to educate and empower youth and adults to prevent violence in schools, homes, and communities. Creators of the life-saving, evidence-informed “Know the Signs” prevention programs, SHP teaches the warning signs of someone who may be in crisis, socially isolated, or at-risk of hurting themselves or others and how to get help. SHP also advances school safety, youth mental health, and responsible gun ownership at the state and federal levels through nonpartisan policy and partnerships. SHP is led by several family members whose loved ones were killed in the tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012.
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