CNN anchor Erin Burnett is facing widespread criticism for comments made on-air during the initial coverage of Monday evening’s mass shooting in Midtown Manhattan.
As information was still developing, Burnett cited early police descriptions of the suspect as “sunglasses, mustache, male, possibly white,” a statement that has since drawn backlash for being speculative.
Cam Skattebo, Jaxson Dart’s new weapon, looks scary to the rest of the NFL
The gunman, identified later as 27-year-old Shane Tamura, stormed into 345 Park Avenue carrying a Palmetto State Armory AR-15 rifle. In a matter of moments, he opened fire in the lobby, killing NYPD Officer Didarul Islam and three civilians before moving to an upper floor and taking his own life.
A fifth victim survived gunshot wounds. The building, a 44-story tower, is home to the NFL’s headquarters and financial powerhouse Blackstone.
Online reaction questions early reporting
Images from security footage showing Tamura entering the building quickly spread online, prompting debate over the accuracy of Burnett‘s remarks. Many critics accused the network of rushing to assumptions in the absence of confirmed facts.
“He may be a bunch of different things, basically anything BUT white,” one social media user wrote in response. Another added, “CNN should be shut down. They have not reported a truthful story in what seems like forever.”
Law enforcement sources acknowledged that initial internal reports even suggested the shooter might have been of Middle Eastern descent, underscoring how fluid early information can be during a crisis. Others online argued that focusing on the suspect’s race was irrelevant in the face of such a devastating attack.
Investigators uncover disturbing details
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed that Officer Islam was the first victim, gunned down as Tamura entered the building. Panic spread immediately, with videos showing bystanders fleeing onto Park Avenue as officers evacuated the skyscraper.
Authorities later revealed that Tamura left behind a lengthy note in which he claimed to suffer from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease linked to football-related head trauma.
He requested that his brain be studied after his death, connecting his mental decline to his years as a standout high school running back. Officials also confirmed he had a documented history of mental health issues.
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