New York City—Concerns are mounting over gun access for individuals with mental health issues following a tragic shooting on July 28 at a Manhattan office building that houses the NFL headquarters. Shane Tamura, 27, is suspected of fatally shooting four people, including a security officer, before turning the weapon on himself. Law enforcement officials revealed Tamura had a documented history of mental health struggles, prompting questions regarding how he obtained firearms.
During the incident, Tamura was armed with an M4 rifle and had reportedly left behind a note indicating a diagnosis of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a condition linked to serious head injuries. New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated that authorities had received information about Tamura’s mental health background from officials in Las Vegas but did not elaborate further on those details.
Reports indicate that Tamura experienced multiple mental health crisis holds in Nevada during 2022 and 2024. These holds can allow for up to 72 hours of involuntary evaluation and treatment. Despite this history, he legally acquired an AR-15 style rifle and a revolver using a concealed carry permit.
“Red flag” laws aim to prevent unstable individuals from accessing guns, but in Nevada, mental health crisis holds are not listed as valid grounds for initiating such orders. While the law provides a framework for law enforcement or family members to petition for the temporary removal of firearms, the utilization of these protections has been minimal since the law took effect in 2020.
According to experts, many states slowly adopt red flag laws, which have been associated with preventing firearm-related violence. For instance, states like Florida have issued thousands of such orders shortly after enacting regulations, while Nevada’s uptake has lagged behind.
Twenty-one states and Washington, D.C., have enacted red flag laws since 1999, with varying degrees of bipartisan support. Some states allow only law enforcement to request these orders, while others permit family members or close contacts to take action. The state of Nevada’s approach includes an exam of the individual’s behavior to assess risk, and the law includes different timeframes for the validity of these orders.
Recent data shows that Nevada is beginning to increase its use of high-risk protection orders, with 28 issued in 2024, up from 20 in 2023. This uptick suggests a growing awareness of the law’s importance in addressing potential gun violence stemming from mental health issues.
While there are diverse opinions regarding the efficacy of red flag laws, some analysts highlight their potential in decreasing incidents of violence and suicide. For instance, a study from Columbia University indicated that Florida’s implementation of red flag laws correlated with an 11 percent reduction in firearm homicide rates from 2019 to 2021.
The conversation surrounding mental health and gun access remains complex. Advocates for mental health reform argue against the stigma linking mental illness and violence, emphasizing that individuals with serious conditions are often more likely to be victims rather than perpetrators.
Nevada’s 2020 law, championed by legislators following past tragedies, continues to receive scrutiny amid ongoing debates about its application. As municipalities and states explore more robust strategies to curb gun violence, the effectiveness of red flag laws and their intersection with mental health issues may shape future policy discussions.