43-Year-Old Blackstone Executive and Mom of Two, Wesley LePatner, Identified Among Victims Killed in Midtown Manhattan Shooting

Wall Street is mourning the loss of Wesley LePatner, a top Blackstone executive and mother of two, killed in a mass shooting at the firm’s New York headquarters.

LePatner, 43, was senior managing director at Blackstone. She was one of four people killed in the Manhattan shooting, which took place the evening of July 28 at 345 Park Avenue — home to Blackstone HQ and NFL offices, among others.

The gunman reportedly took his own life during the course of the attack. The investigation is ongoing, according to authorities.

Police identified the shooter as 27-year-old Shane Tamura. He entered the lobby during the evening rush and opened fire, killing LePatner, an NYPD officer, and two others. He later moved to the 33rd floor, where he died by suicide.

Other companies with offices in the building were affected by the attack, including KPMG and Rudin Management. There were emergency evacuations and some staff sheltered in place until escorted out by police at around 10 p.m.

“We are heartbroken to share that our colleague, Wesley LePatner, was among those who lost their lives in the tragic incident at 345 Park Avenue. Words cannot express the devastation we feel,” read a statement from Blackstone.

In the statement, Wesley was reportedly described by colleagues as “brilliant, passionate, warm, generous, and deeply respected within our firm and beyond.”

An internal memo from Blackstone President Jon Gray and CEO Stephen Schwarzman called the incident the “worst day in the firm’s 40 year history,” according to Reuters.

The company also held an all-hands Zoom call and offered support services to employees. LePatner worked at Blackstone for more than a decade.

She joined the firm in 2014 after a decade at Goldman Sachs, and subsequently rose through the ranks to become Global Head of Core+ Real Estate, and CEO of the Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust.

LePatner graduated from Yale with a degree in Liberal Arts, which she admitted made her self-conscious early on in her Wall Street career. She was also an active member of several boards, including the Met Museum.

A former colleague, Osso Capital CEO Olivia John, highlighted LePatner’s advocacy for women in Wall Street. “She had a pure heart, was humble, and always wanted to do what was right,” John said.

LePatner is survived by her husband, two children, and parents.

“We cannot properly express the grief we feel upon the sudden and tragic loss of Wesley,” read a statement from the LePatner family. “She was the most loving wife, mother, daughter, sister and relative, who enriched our lives in every way imaginable.”

Among those killed in the same shooting was an off-duty NYPD officer praised for his heroism. The 36-year-old was fatally shot while off duty at 345 Park Avenue, where he was providing security.

The officer who was killed, Islam, had served with the NYPD 47th precinct in the Bronx for three and a half years and was known for his quiet dedication and deep sense of duty.

A Bangladeshi immigrant, he lived in Queens with his wife and two young sons. His wife is currently pregnant with their third child. The department, city officials, and fellow officers are mourning the loss of a man they described as selfless and courageous.

“Police Officer Didarul Islam represented the very best of our department,” the NYPD said in a statement. “He was protecting New Yorkers from danger when his life was tragically cut short today. We join in prayer during this time of incomprehensible pain. We will forever honor his legacy.”

In a press conference, the NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch emphasized that Officer Islam lost his life while doing the job he had been tasked to do, putting himself in harm’s way and making the ultimate sacrifice. “Shot in cold blood, wearing a uniform that stood for the promise that he made to the city. He dies as he lived, a hero,” Tisch added.

Mayor Eric Adams also paid tribute, calling Officer Islam “the best of New York City” and noting that he “put on a uniform to protect and serve us all.”

Adams said, “I am praying for his wife, children, parents, and loved ones. I cannot imagine the pain they’re going through. When NYPD members go to work every day, their families pray a day like this never happens. We will be with them every step of the way.”

The mayor acknowledged the loss of the three other victims and expressed concern for the individual who remains in critical condition. He described the attack as a senseless and random act of violence, emphasizing that the victims and their loved ones remain in the city’s thoughts.

“The entire event is still under investigation, and we’re working with our partners at the FBI. We’re carefully searching the office building, however, we believe the incident is over, and the shooter was acting alone. He is now dead, and New Yorkers have nothing further to fear,” Adams declared.

The mayor, who met with Islam’s family on Monday night, shared that the late officer was his parents’ only son. He noted that everyone he spoke with described Islam as a man of faith, someone who believed in God, and was committed to living a life guided by those values.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul also spoke out, “We mourn four New Yorkers, including one of New York’s Finest, taken in a senseless act of violence. Our hearts are with their loved ones and everyone affected by this tragedy.”

Now, investigators continue to piece together the shooter’s motive. According to a source familiar with the investigation, a suicide note was found in his pocket detailing grievances with the National Football League.

Tamura’s suicide note also claims he suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain disease associated with repeated head trauma. In the note, he also requested that his brain be studied.