Inquiries arise about the NYC shooter's role in a security-protected position at a Las Vegas casino
In a shocking turn of events, Shane Tamura, a 27-year-old former casino employee at the Horseshoe Las Vegas, has been identified as the suspect in a mass shooting that took place in a Manhattan office tower on Monday. Four people were tragically killed, and one NFL employee was wounded in the attack.
Tamura, who worked in the surveillance department, had a documented history of mental health problems and a documented history of agitated behavior with casino security and employees. However, no information was provided about any head injuries he may have sustained during his playing days.
In Nevada, casino employees who work in roles related to security, particularly in surveillance, are generally required to obtain a private security license issued by the Nevada Private Investigator's Licensing Board if their job involves security functions such as enforcing rules, monitoring for cheating, or protecting assets. Tamura's state-issued private security officer license expired in December, and the nature of his role at the Horseshoe Las Vegas and whether he was authorized to carry a weapon remain unclear.
Tamura had "assembled" the AR-15-style assault rifle used in the attack and used his concealed carry permit to purchase another firearm, a revolver, last month. This is part of a larger effort to trace Tamura's steps from Las Vegas to New York City.
Investigations are ongoing, with Las Vegas police supporting the NYPD in their investigation but not releasing details about the police activity at Tamura's home. Two groups of New York City detectives are on their way to Las Vegas to conduct interviews and search Tamura's home. Authorities are also questioning an associate of Tamura who bought a component of the AR-15-style assault rifle used in the attack.
Tamura was a standout running back during his high school years in Southern California, but many of his former classmates lost contact with him. Several neighbors in Las Vegas did not recognize Tamura after seeing his photo shared in news reports about the shooting. Wendy Malnak, a neighbor of Tamura, said many residents on their quiet street keep in touch regularly and look out for each other, yet none of them seemed to notice Tamura or his family before the police arrived.
Associated Press journalist Safiyah Riddle contributed from Montgomery, Alabama.
[1] Nevada Private Investigator's Licensing Board [2] Nevada Gaming Control Board [3] Nevada Revised Statutes - Private Investigator Licensing
- Shane Tamura, despite having mental health issues and a history of agitated behavior, had previously held a private security license issued by the Nevada Private Investigator's Licensing Board, which is required for casino employees in security roles in Nevada.
- The nature of Shane Tamura's role at the Horseshoe Las Vegas and his authorization to carry a weapon remain unclear, as his state-issued private security officer license expired in December.
- In addition to the AR-15-style assault rifle used in the attack, Tamura recently purchased a revolver using his concealed carry permit.
- Before the mass shooting in New York City, Tamura was a standout running back during his high school years in Southern California, but many of his former classmates lost contact with him.
