On July 28, 2025, a tragic shooting unfolded in Midtown Manhattan, resulting in the deaths of four individuals, including an off-duty New York City police officer. Sebije Nelovic, a 65-year-old cleaner with 27 years of experience at the office building located at 345 Park Avenue, recounted her harrowing experience that day.
During her shift on the 33rd floor, Nelovic was confronted by Shane Devon Tamura, the 27-year-old gunman, who was armed with a high-powered AR-15-style rifle. As gunshots rang out, Nelovic took cover, describing the moment when Tamura burst through a glass door and aimed his weapon at her. “I put my hands up and said, ‘I’m a cleaning lady. I’m a cleaning lady,’” she recalled. In a desperate attempt to survive, Nelovic fled to a closet, where she locked herself in and prayed for safety as gunfire continued around her.
After several hours of silence, Nelovic learned of the tragic fate of her colleague, Julia Hyman, a 27-year-old associate at Rudin Management, who was among the victims. The gunman, Tamura, reportedly had intentions to target the headquarters of the National Football League but mistakenly entered the wrong elevator, leading to the tragic events on the 33rd floor.
In a grim twist, Tamura left behind a note indicating that he believed he suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a condition often associated with repeated head trauma. Although it is challenging to diagnose CTE during a person’s lifetime, the implications of his condition and its potential impact are currently under investigation.
While this event marks a dark chapter in New York City’s history, it has also ignited discussions on workplace safety, gun control, and the need for mental health support, especially for individuals who may be silently struggling. As the investigation continues, there is hope that lessons learned from this tragedy can lead to a safer future for all workers in urban environments.