Hochul's 'Very Much Security' Fails as Gunman Kills 4 in Manhattan

Paul Riverbank, 7/30/2025A tragic shooting at Manhattan's 345 Park Avenue has exposed the vulnerabilities in even the most sophisticated building security systems. Despite extensive measures, including panic rooms and armed guards, four lives were lost, raising critical questions about balancing accessibility with protection in our urban centers.

Manhattan's Business District Confronts Harsh Reality After Deadly Shooting

The bustling corridors of Park Avenue fell silent yesterday evening when an armed assailant turned a regular workday into a scene of unimaginable horror. What began as a typical Wednesday at 345 Park Avenue ended with four lives lost, leaving Manhattan's business community to wrestle with uncomfortable questions about workplace safety.

I've covered numerous incidents throughout my career, but this one strikes at the heart of our perceived security in professional spaces. The gunman, identified as 27-year-old Shane Tamura, didn't pick a soft target – he chose one of Manhattan's most secure buildings, home to the NFL headquarters and protected by what Governor Hochul described as extensive security measures.

The human toll is devastating. Officer Didarul Islam, just 36, leaves behind a young family including a pregnant wife. Security guard Aland Etienne and Blackstone executive Wesley LePatner were also killed before the gunman reached the 33rd floor, where Rudin Management employee Julia Hyman became the final victim.

What's particularly troubling about this incident – and I've discussed this with several security experts – is how it exposes the limitations of even sophisticated security systems. The building's panic rooms and armed security presence, while innovative, couldn't prevent this determined assault. As Michael Balboni, who served as New York's Homeland Security Adviser, told me, "Random acts of violence present an almost impossible security challenge."

The business community's response has been mixed. Some, like commercial real estate broker Adelaide Polsinelli, advocate for extreme measures such as bulletproof entrances. Others I've spoken with maintain that such incidents, while tragic, shouldn't drive us toward fortress-like office environments.

KPMG employee Jon Ferrer's account of the moment he learned about the active shooter – "My heart sank to my stomach" – captures the raw fear that no worker should have to experience. Yet one survivor, Craig Clementi from the NFL, offers a glimpse of hope as he recovers from surgery.

Looking ahead, the challenge isn't just about adding more security – it's about maintaining the delicate balance between safety and the openness that defines our business districts. As someone who's watched Manhattan evolve through various crises, I can say that this balance has never been more crucial.

In the coming days, we'll undoubtedly see heated debates about building security protocols. But perhaps the more important conversation should focus on preventing such incidents before they reach our lobbies and office floors. That's a discussion I believe we need to have – not just as journalists or security experts, but as a society grappling with increasingly unpredictable violence.

Paul Riverbank reports from Manhattan

Manhattan's Business District Confronts Harsh Reality After Deadly ShootingThe bustling corridors of Park Avenue fell silent yesterday evening when an armed assailant turned a regular workday into a scene of unimaginable horror. What began as a typical Wednesday at 345 Park Avenue ended with four lives lost, leaving Manhattan's business community to wrestle with uncomfortable questions about workplace safety.I've covered numerous incidents throughout my career, but this one strikes at the heart of our perceived security in professional spaces. The gunman, identified as 27-year-old Shane Tamura, didn't pick a soft target – he chose one of Manhattan's most secure buildings, home to the NFL headquarters and protected by what Governor Hochul described as extensive security measures.The human toll is devastating. Officer Didarul Islam, just 36, leaves behind a young family including a pregnant wife. Security guard Aland Etienne and Blackstone executive Wesley LePatner were also killed before the gunman reached the 33rd floor, where Rudin Management employee Julia Hyman became the final victim.What's particularly troubling about this incident – and I've discussed this with several security experts – is how it exposes the limitations of even sophisticated security systems. The building's panic rooms and armed security presence, while innovative, couldn't prevent this determined assault. As Michael Balboni, who served as New York's Homeland Security Adviser, told me, "Random acts of violence present an almost impossible security challenge."The business community's response has been mixed. Some, like commercial real estate broker Adelaide Polsinelli, advocate for extreme measures such as bulletproof entrances. Others I've spoken with maintain that such incidents, while tragic, shouldn't drive us toward fortress-like office environments.KPMG employee Jon Ferrer's account of the moment he learned about the active shooter – "My heart sank to my stomach" – captures the raw fear that no worker should have to experience. Yet one survivor, Craig Clementi from the NFL, offers a glimpse of hope as he recovers from surgery.Looking ahead, the challenge isn't just about adding more security – it's about maintaining the delicate balance between safety and the openness that defines our business districts. As someone who's watched Manhattan evolve through various crises, I can say that this balance has never been more crucial.In the coming days, we'll undoubtedly see heated debates about building security protocols. But perhaps the more important conversation should focus on preventing such incidents before they reach our lobbies and office floors. That's a discussion I believe we need to have – not just as journalists or security experts, but as a society grappling with increasingly unpredictable violence.Paul Riverbank reports from Manhattan