NBC News: Survivor’s Chilling Words May Have Triggered Shooter’s Final Act in Midtown Manhattan Tragedy

Thirty minutes ago, a horrifying mass shooting unfolded inside a bustling office building in Midtown Manhattan, New York, leaving five people dead and several others injured. The suspect, identified as 41-year-old Shane D. Tamura of Las Vegas, opened fire inside the high-rise before taking his own life. As the city reels from the tragedy, one survivor’s haunting testimony has emerged — suggesting that a split-second decision and just three words may have changed the course of the attack.

The survivor, whose identity is being withheld for safety reasons, told NBC News that they had taken cover in a corner office as the sound of gunshots echoed through the hallway. “I thought it was over,” the survivor recalled, still visibly shaken. “But then I saw him — the shooter — standing at the end of the hall, looking straight at me.”

In a moment of panic and instinct, the survivor ran to a nearby window, hoping to catch the attention of first responders outside. What happened next remains the subject of ongoing investigation, but according to the witness, the sight of NYPD officers arriving on the scene sparked a desperate cry for help.

“I saw the police outside,” the survivor said. “I didn’t know what else to do. I banged on the glass and screamed, ‘He sees you!’”

Those three words — He sees you — may have sent a chilling message to the gunman. Moments later, Tamura reportedly stepped back from the hallway, returned to an office conference room, and ended his life with a single gunshot to the head.

NYPD officials have not confirmed whether the suspect heard the shout, but surveillance footage does show a shift in his behavior immediately following the scream. “We believe something caused him to retreat and isolate himself,” said one officer familiar with the investigation. “It could have been fear of being confronted, or something deeper — perhaps he realized this was the end.”

Tamura was found with two handguns, a semi-automatic weapon, and a collection of handwritten notes filled with erratic phrases, paranoia, and references to being “watched” and “tracked.” One note read: “They see everything. But it’s too late for them now.”

Five people were confirmed dead, including three office employees, one visiting client, and a building security officer who confronted the shooter. Several others were injured while fleeing the scene, including two who suffered broken bones during a stairwell stampede.

As the investigation continues, the NYPD has praised the actions of survivors and first responders. “Many lives were saved today due to quick thinking and brave decisions,” Commissioner Edward Caban said. “This could have been even worse.”

New York City Mayor Eric Adams visited the site shortly after and called the survivor’s story “both terrifying and courageous.” He added, “This tragedy is another grim reminder that even in moments of complete fear, the human instinct to survive and protect can still shine through.”

Authorities are urging anyone with additional footage, information, or connection to the suspect to contact their hotline immediately. The city continues to mourn, but for at least one lucky survivor, three simple words may have drawn a line between life and death.