By: Ariella Haviv

The tragic mass shooting in Midtown Manhattan on Monday evening has left the city reeling, with four lives cut short in an act of senseless violence inside one of New York’s most prominent office towers. Among the victims was Julia Hyman, a 2020 graduate of Cornell University, an accomplished young professional at Rudin Management, and a member of the Jewish community.

According to a report that appeared on Tuesday at VIN News, investigators confirmed Hyman was killed when 27-year-old gunman Shane Tamura entered the lobby of 345 Park Avenue shortly before 6:00 p.m. Tamura, whose motives remain under scrutiny, proceeded to the 33rd floor of the building, where Rudin’s offices are located. Law enforcement sources cited by The New York Post suggested that Tamura may have intended to target the NFL offices, which are housed on lower floors, but mistakenly arrived at Rudin’s suite, where he opened fire.

VIN News reported that a bullet hole could later be seen in a nearby window as NYPD officers secured the perimeter outside the tower, underscoring the chaos and devastation that unfolded inside one of Midtown’s most recognizable addresses.

Hyman, who was just four years out of Cornell, had quickly distinguished herself as a rising figure in the field of real estate and property management. Her LinkedIn profile, reviewed by VIN News, confirmed her position as an associate at Rudin Management, one of New York’s storied real estate firms. Colleagues and friends described her as ambitious, bright, and deeply committed to her work, with a promising career trajectory ahead of her.

“She loved her job, she loved New York, and she loved being part of this city’s energy,” one former classmate told VIN News. “This is an unimaginable loss — not just for her family and friends, but for an industry where she was already making her mark.”

For the Jewish community, her murder has struck an especially painful chord. As the report at VIN News noted, Hyman was remembered not only for her professional accomplishments but also for her Jewish identity and her active participation in community life, values instilled in her from an early age.

This tragic revelation follows the earlier identification of Wesley LePatner, a senior executive at Blackstone, as another victim of the shooting. LePatner, described by VIN News as one of the most prominent figures in institutional real estate, had served as Global Head of Core+ Real Estate and CEO of BREIT.

Authorities have confirmed that Tamura, the 27-year-old assailant, had a revoked gun permit and a documented history of mental illness. According to the information provided in the VIN News report, a note was found in his possession referencing chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and blaming the NFL for his suffering. Although Tamura never played professional football, investigators believe his fixation on the league may have influenced his choice of target.

Police officials told VIN News that the investigation remains ongoing, with detectives working to piece together Tamura’s movements and the precise reasoning behind his attack.

The murder of Julia Hyman has reverberated far beyond her immediate circle. For her alma mater, Cornell University, it marked the loss of a gifted alumna whose life was just beginning to flourish. For Rudin Management, it was the devastating blow of losing a valued colleague in a place meant to be safe and professional. And for New York’s Jewish community, it was the tragic loss of a young woman who embodied both achievement and heritage.

As the VIN News report indicated, the attack has reignited urgent conversations about security in high-profile office buildings, the dangers posed by untreated mental illness, and the ongoing challenges surrounding firearms access, even in cities with strict regulations.

In the days ahead, tributes to Hyman’s memory are expected to reflect her dual legacy: that of a rising star in New York real estate and that of a proud Jewish professional whose presence enriched both her workplace and her community.

For now, as VIN News poignantly noted, the city mourns a daughter of New York whose life was cut short by senseless violence, even as investigators continue their search for answers behind the tragedy at 345 Park Avenue.