A mass shooting in Midtown Manhattan has raised concerns over how a man with a documented history of mental health holds was able to obtain multiple firearms and drive across the country undetected.
Shane Devon Tamura, 27, of Las Vegas, killed four people and injured another at 345 Park Avenue before taking his own life.
Gun Permit Despite Psychiatric Holds
Tamura held a concealed carry permit from Nevada, despite having been placed on psychiatric holds in 2022 and 2024. Experts say the type and outcome of such holds determine whether they appear in federal background checks. Temporary holds or voluntary releases often don’t disqualify a person from owning guns under federal law.
Mental Health Data Gaps in Gun Background Checks
Law enforcement and public health officials say significant gaps in sharing mental health records with the federal government hinder effective background checks. Privacy concerns and underfunded systems contribute to the issue. Former ATF official Thomas Chittum said mental health records remain among the most difficult for the FBI to access.
Previous Arrest and Weapon Sale Under Scrutiny
In 2023, Tamura was arrested for trespassing at a Las Vegas casino, but charges were not pursued. Investigators revealed the AR-15 style weapon used in the attack was legally bought by Tamura’s supervisor, then privately assembled and sold to him for $1,400. It’s unclear whether a background check was conducted during that transaction, which Nevada law requires.
Private Gun Sales and Legal Loopholes
Under Nevada law, private gun sales must involve a federal background check conducted through a licensed dealer, with exceptions for family transfers. If Tamura’s supervisor failed to follow this process, he could face prosecution. However, federal law does not mandate background checks for private sellers unless the sale occurs through a dealer.
What Was Found in Tamura’s Car
Police found another loaded weapon, ammo, Zoloft, cannabis, and a note in Tamura’s car claiming he had CTE, a brain condition tied to repeated head trauma. The medical examiner is conducting an autopsy to determine if Tamura had the disease, which can only be diagnosed post-mortem.
Loopholes in Concealed Carry Laws
Tamura’s permit likely exempted him from additional background checks when buying guns. Some states, like Nevada, do not routinely re-check concealed carry permit holders for disqualifying conditions, even if new mental health issues or convictions arise.
Red Flag Laws Often Underused
Although Nevada has a red flag law that allows authorities to remove firearms from individuals who pose a threat, such laws depend on clear warning signs. It’s not known whether Tamura displayed any.
Calls for Federal Gun Reform
New York Governor Kathy Hochul criticized lax gun laws in other states and called for a national ban on assault-style weapons. She urged Congress to act, saying tragedies like this shouldn’t be the only time the issue is discussed.
For more on the tragic NYC shooting, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.