Chilling images show NYC office workers piling furniture to barricade doors during Manhattan shooting

MANHATTAN, NEW YORK: Chilling images circulating on social media in the aftermath of Monday's deadly Midtown Manhattan shooting show terrified office workers barricading themselves inside their workplaces, piling furniture high against doors in a desperate effort to stay safe.

The gunman, identified as 27-year-old Shane Tamura, opened fire inside the 44-story office building at 345 Park Avenue, killing four people, including an NYPD officer, before dying of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, officials said.

Tamura, who had traveled from Las Vegas, entered the building armed with a high-powered rifle and opened fire across the lobby.

Photos show frantic barricades as workers hunkered down during shooting

Social media posts and news footage show employees inside 345 Park Avenue, which houses major firms including Blackstone, stacking furniture to block entryways as gunfire erupted in the building.

Some workers in formal business attire were seen moving couches and chairs into place, building barricades that nearly reached the ceiling.

Employees reportedly dismantled office desks to reinforce the makeshift blockades, as they awaited rescue.

NYPD officer killed while working off-duty security shift

One of the four victims was NYPD officer Didarul Islam,  36, who was working an off-duty security shift at the time of the shooting.

In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), the NYPD said, “Police Officer Didarul Islam represented the very best of our department. He was protecting New Yorkers from danger when his life was tragically cut short today. We will forever honor his legacy.”

Midtown shooter Shane Tamura had a 'documented mental health history'

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said Shane Tamura had a "documented mental health history" and had previously been arrested for trespassing in Nevada, a charge that was ultimately dropped.

She further mentioned that Tamura drove from Las Vegas to New York and arrived at the Park Avenue building in a double-parked BMW. He was wearing body armor and armed with a high-powered M4 rifle when he entered the lobby and began firing.

During the shooting, Tamura reportedly allowed one woman to exit the elevator area unharmed before he continued spraying bullets throughout the lobby. “He allowed her to walk past him unharmed,” Tisch said.

Law enforcement officials are continuing to investigate Tamura’s motive. A search of his vehicle uncovered additional weapons, ammunition, and medication prescribed to him. Tisch confirmed that authorities believe he acted alone.