Summary
Shane Tamura, who killed four people in New York City, had two previous mental health crisis treatments in Las Vegas. Despite these interventions, he was able to legally purchase firearms, including the rifle he used in the attack. Nevada's laws do not automatically report temporary mental health holds to the national background check system, which affects gun purchase eligibility.
Key Facts
- Shane Tamura was involved in two emergency psychiatric interventions in Las Vegas in 2022 and 2024.
- Despite these, Tamura was able to purchase guns legally, including the one used in the New York attack.
- Tamura's mother had contacted authorities about his mental health issues, including anxiety and depression.
- Nevada doesn't report temporary mental health holds to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).
- Almost half of U.S. states have laws that would make such holds disqualifying for gun purchases, but Nevada does not.
- Under federal law, only court-adjudicated mental health cases are added to the NICS.
- Red flag laws could potentially prevent individuals in crisis from accessing firearms; Nevada has such a law.
- Tamura's shootings occurred on July 28, 2025, resulting in four deaths.
