Expert Insights: Dr. Bennet Omalu Analyzes NYC Shooter’s Claim of CTE
… Following His High School Football Experience
Published July 31, 2025 12:30 AM PDT
Dr. Bennet Omalu, a renowned neuropathologist and the pioneer in Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) research, is addressing the claims made by the NYC mass shooter, who alleged that he suffers from this serious neurodegenerative disease as a result of playing high school football.
“It is indeed possible to develop CTE from participating in football at various levels. However, the risk increases with the number of years spent playing the sport. CTE has been diagnosed in individuals who engaged in football across all levels of play. Nevertheless, just because someone played high school football does not guarantee a diagnosis of CTE,” Dr. Omalu informed TMZ Sports on Tuesday.
For those who may not be familiar, Dr. Omalu has been instrumental in raising awareness about CTE, a movement that has captured public attention and even inspired a Hollywood film. The talented actor Will Smith portrayed Dr. Omalu in the critically acclaimed movie “Concussion,” which highlighted the serious implications of head injuries in sports.
New York City’s mayor, Eric Adams, revealed that shooter Shane Tamura specifically targeted the National Football League’s headquarters in midtown Manhattan, citing his belief that football had irreversibly damaged his brain.
At 27 years old, Tamura had not played football at a professional level but was widely regarded as a skilled player during his high school years.
The Mayo Clinic defines Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) as a brain condition that is likely attributed to repeated head injuries. This condition leads to the degeneration and eventual death of nerve cells within the brain, a process known as neurodegeneration. The symptoms and severity of CTE can worsen over time, significantly impacting cognitive and emotional functioning.
Dr. Omalu emphasized that the shooter’s claims represent a mere assumption and should not serve as a justification for his violent actions.
“The critical question remains: how did the shooter come to believe he was suffering from CTE? Was this merely an assumption on his part? It is essential to understand that CTE should never be used as an excuse or rationale for violent behavior or taking the life of another person. I strongly condemn such reasoning in the most definitive terms,” he stated firmly.
Dr. Omalu also conveyed an important message to anyone who believes they might be suffering from CTE, urging them to seek professional medical assistance and appropriate guidance for treatment and long-term management of their condition.
