By: Krug Stillo
The family of a young woman killed during the deadly mass shooting at a Midtown Manhattan office tower is preparing to sue New York City for $65 million, arguing that law enforcement failed to stop the gunman before he entered the building, according to reporting by the New York Post.
Julia Hyman, a 27-year-old Cornell University graduate and real estate professional, was among four people killed during the July 28, 2025 attack at 345 Park Avenue. The shooter, Shane Tamura, allegedly traveled from Las Vegas to New York and entered the office tower armed with an M4-style rifle before carrying out the deadly rampage. According to investigators, Tamura was believed to be targeting the NFL’s headquarters, which is located in the building.
According to the New York Post, Hyman’s parents and sister recently viewed surveillance footage from the building and now believe the city bears responsibility for their daughter’s death. Court documents filed in Manhattan Supreme Court claim that NYPD Detective Didarul Islam, who was working a paid security detail assignment at the building that day, had a clear view of the shooter as he approached the entrance.
The lawsuit alleges that Islam failed to recognize what attorneys describe as an obvious threat and took no action to stop or delay the gunman as he crossed the plaza and entered the lobby. The filing argues that the detective’s actions—or lack of action—amounted to negligence and could expose the city to liability.
Islam, a 36-year-old NYPD detective, husband, and father, was the first person shot by Tamura inside the building. He later died from his injuries. The detective was posthumously awarded the NYPD Medal of Honor, the department’s highest recognition for bravery. His widow accepted the honor on his behalf earlier this year.
The Hyman family contends that because Islam was working through the NYPD’s Paid Detail Unit, the city remains responsible for his conduct while serving as security at the property. Their legal filing argues that New York City should be held accountable for the actions of officers assigned to private security work under department supervision.
The tragedy claimed the lives of four people. Along with Hyman and Islam, victims included Wesley LePatner, a senior executive at Blackstone, and Aland Etienne, a security guard working in the building. Authorities said Tamura eventually took his own life after carrying out the attack.
According to the New York Post, the Hyman family had previously explored legal action against Rudin Management, which owns and operates 345 Park Avenue. The family’s attorneys reportedly obtained access to surveillance footage after reaching an agreement that included a non-disclosure provision.
The family’s attorney, Jeff Korek, said his firm is examining every possible factor that may have allowed an armed attacker to enter the building and kill Hyman. He stated that investigators intend to leave “no stone unturned” as they seek answers and accountability for the deadly shooting.
