Tragic New York Shooting Highlights Gaps in Mental Health Laws
On July 28, 2025, a man named Shane Tamura drove to New York and killed four people. Recent records from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police reveal that he had a history of mental illness. In fact, he underwent two emergency psychiatric evaluations prior to this heartbreaking event. This raises important questions about how mental health issues intersect with gun ownership.
Tamura’s mother had called for help more than once, expressing her fears about his mental state. She reported that he had been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. Yet, despite these warnings, he was able to purchase firearms legally, including the AR-15-style rifle used in the shooting.
One major issue at play is that Nevada, where Tamura lived, does not automatically report temporary mental health holds to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). According to Dr. Jeff Swanson, a Duke University professor who focuses on the firearms background check system, many states do have laws that would prevent individuals with such holds from buying guns. However, Nevada’s laws do not cover these short-term mental health evaluations.
Swanson explains that while emergency mental health holds can keep someone from accessing a gun, they do not trigger an automatic prohibition without further legal action. “Under Nevada law, an officer can initiate a 72-hour emergency hold, but this does not inform federal systems unless it escalates to a court-ordered commitment,” he notes.
Federal law requires a court adjudication to label someone as a “mental defective” before they are banned from buying guns. Currently, the NICS has over eight million names listed under this category. Yet, it’s important to remember that not everyone on that list poses a genuine risk. Some may have had minor issues years ago but are not likely to engage in violence.
Swanson believes that “red flag” laws could be more effective in preventing tragedies. These laws allow families or police to petition for a court order that can temporarily restrict someone deemed dangerous from accessing firearms. States with these laws report varying success rates. For instance, while Nevada has red flag laws, it issued only 28 such orders in 2024, far behind states like California and Florida.
April Zeoli, a gun violence researcher at the University of Michigan, emphasizes that training for law enforcement around these laws is crucial. “If officers don’t know how to utilize the red flag system, it won’t be used effectively,” she states. Additionally, the Nevada Attorney General’s office has attempted to enhance training for officers, but much work remains.
This tragic case underscores the urgent need for improved policies around mental health and gun ownership. It’s clear that despite existing laws, gaps remain that can lead to devastating consequences. Greater awareness and stronger frameworks are needed to ensure that those who pose a risk do not have access to firearms.
For more details on mental health and gun laws, you can check out studies and reports available through the Duke University Psychiatry website.
