Midtown Manhattan – The parents of Julia Hyman, a 27‑year‑old real‑estate professional who was killed in the July 28, 2025 shooting at 345 Park Avenue, filed a civil lawsuit on Wednesday accusing the building’s owners, management company, and security contractor of gross negligence.
Allegations focus on security failures
According to the complaint, the defendants “failed catastrophically” to provide and maintain effective security, allowing a gunman to walk across the outdoor plaza, enter the lobby, and ride an elevator to the 33rd floor where Julia was working. The lawsuit states the shooter, identified as Shane Tamura of Las Vegas, was visibly armed with a semi‑automatic rifle when he entered the building.
“Julia’s death was not simply the result of a lone gunman’s actions. It was also the culmination of myriad security failures that allowed an armed assailant to move through a major office building in midtown Manhattan, shoot occupants, access an elevator, reach the 33rd floor, and kill a young woman,” the filing reads.
Victims and broader impact
The tragedy claimed three additional lives: Wesley LePatner, a partner at Blackstone; Aland Etienne, a security guard; and Didarul Islam, an NYPD officer assigned to the building. The Hyman family argues that the loss could have been prevented had proper security measures been in place.
“Julia’s pain, suffering, and death were preventable. The tragedy that befell her underscores the profound consequences of failing to provide effective security where the safety of countless people depends upon it,” the complaint states.
Legal claims and sought damages
The suit seeks compensatory, punitive, and economic damages, asserting that the defendants’ negligence, carelessness, and recklessness directly caused the loss of life. The complaint also alleges that the building’s security contractor did not adequately screen visitors or monitor the plaza, despite known threats in the city.
Attorney Michael Rogers, representing the Hyman family, said, “New York City deserves robust security standards for its high‑rise office towers. This case highlights the urgent need for building owners to prioritize the safety of tenants and visitors alike.”
Calls for stronger security standards
Local officials and business leaders have long debated the balance between open public spaces and the need for heightened security in dense urban environments. The lawsuit adds a personal dimension to that conversation, urging city agencies to review and strengthen security protocols for high‑rise buildings.
Mayor Eric Adams’ office declined to comment on the pending litigation but reiterated the administration’s commitment to public safety and cooperation with law‑enforcement agencies.
What’s next?
The case is expected to proceed through the New York State courts, where the Hyman family hopes to set a precedent that will compel building owners and security firms to adopt more rigorous protective measures.
As the city continues to grapple with the aftermath of the 2025 shooting, the lawsuit serves as a stark reminder that effective security is essential to safeguarding the lives of New York’s workers and residents.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
