A deadly mass shooting inside a Manhattan office building on Monday, July 29, 2025, has left four people dead, including an NYPD officer, and several others injured. The attack occurred just before noon at 601 Lexington Avenue, a high-rise office tower in Midtown Manhattan, sending shockwaves across the city and reigniting debates over workplace security and gun violence in the United States.
According to the New York Police Department (NYPD), the suspected shooter, a 43-year-old male identified as Gregory Hensley, was found dead on the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. A typed note recovered from his briefcase indicated premeditation and made reference to “a grievance against the NFL,” raising questions about his motives and mental health.
Timeline of the Attack
- 11:46 AM EDT – Emergency services received multiple 911 calls reporting shots fired at 601 Lexington Ave.
- 11:51 AM – NYPD officers arrived on the scene and began evacuating the building.
- 11:57 AM – SWAT team located the shooter on the 23rd floor.
- 12:04 PM – Gunman confirmed deceased from apparent suicide.
The entire attack unfolded in less than 20 minutes, but the panic and confusion extended for hours as authorities swept the building floor by floor.
The Victims
NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell confirmed the following fatalities:
- Officer James Donnelly, 34, a decorated NYPD officer assigned to Midtown South Precinct.
- Lisa Monroe, 45, a corporate attorney working for Fletcher & Shaw LLP.
- Darren Kim, 29, an IT technician.
- Suspect Gregory Hensley, 43, the alleged shooter.
Two other individuals are being treated at Bellevue Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
The Shooter and His Motive
Gregory Hensley, a former contractor with a financial services firm, had no prior criminal record but was recently terminated from a cybersecurity consulting job. A search of his apartment in Brooklyn revealed troubling material, including anti-corporate manifestos and documents referencing the National Football League (NFL), though authorities have not confirmed any formal link between the victims and the sports organisation.
Investigators are exploring whether the shooter believed he was wronged by corporate entities or government systems.
“This appears to be a targeted act by a disturbed individual,” said NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny.
“We are analysing digital and physical evidence, including a note that suggests a connection to workplace grievance and obsession with the NFL.”
Impact on the Community and Immediate Area
Lexington Avenue was shut down for several hours as SWAT, bomb squads, and emergency medical teams remained on-site. Schools in the surrounding area were briefly placed on lockdown.
Mayor Eric Adams addressed the public just after 3:00 PM:
“This tragedy is yet another reminder that no place is immune to the epidemic of gun violence. Our prayers are with the families, and our city stands united in grief.”
National Reaction and Federal Involvement
President Donald Trump has been briefed on the shooting and expressed condolences on Truth Social. The FBI and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have joined the NYPD in the investigation due to the public nature of the shooting and references to national institutions like the NFL.
Gun control advocates and civic organisations have already called for renewed focus on workplace mental health screenings and firearms access restrictions, particularly in corporate environments.
UK Relevance and Global Context
While this tragic incident occurred in the U.S., its implications are felt globally:
- British nationals working in U.S. offices, especially in finance and law, are reminded to review local security protocols.
- The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has not reported any British casualties but issued a general safety advisory for UK citizens in New York.
This is the second major shooting in a U.S. business district in July, following an incident in Houston earlier this month.
Final Thoughts
The Manhattan office shooting is yet another grim chapter in America’s ongoing struggle with gun violence. Beyond the immediate loss of life, it raises pressing questions about mental health, workplace pressure, and public safety. As families mourn and investigators continue to unravel the motive, the tragedy highlights the urgent need for comprehensive reform—not just in gun control, but in how society addresses invisible mental crises within high-pressure environments.
FAQs
1. Where did the shooting happen?
At 601 Lexington Avenue, a commercial office building in Midtown Manhattan, New York City.
2. How many people died in the attack?
Four, including a NYPD officer and the shooter.
3. Was this a terrorist attack?
No, authorities have ruled out terrorism. It appears to be a workplace-related incident.
4. What do we know about the shooter?
Gregory Hensley, 43, was a former IT contractor. He left behind a note indicating a grievance against corporate institutions and the NFL.
5. How is the UK involved?
No UK nationals were harmed, but British citizens in New York are advised to stay alert and follow local safety guidelines.
Resources & References
- NYPD Official Twitter Updates
- CBS News Coverage
- NYC Mayor’s Office – Official Statement
- ABC News Incident Report
- Department of Homeland Security Updates
Disclaimer
This report is based on verified statements from NYPD, NYC government, and U.S. national security officials as of July 30, 2025. Investigations are ongoing and information may evolve. The Breadline Bulletin does not speculate beyond confirmed facts and urges readers to follow official guidance in emergencies.
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