CNN is facing sharp criticism yet again, this time over its preliminary coverage of Monday’s deadly Midtown Manhattan shooting, after the network described the gunman as “possibly white” — even though images released by police clearly showed otherwise.
Inaccurate Description Sparks Backlash
While reporting on the identity of the shooter, CNN told viewers: “They know he is a male, possibly white. He’s wearing sunglasses.” The statement aired as law enforcement had already released surveillance images identifying the suspect as 27-year-old Shane Devon Tamura, a non-white male from Las Vegas.
Mediaite has more on the fallout that followed:
Reporting on the shooting on her show Erin Burnett OutFront, CNN host Erin Burnett asked, “Was his face visible? I mean, do they have any idea at this point who he is?”
CNN chief law enforcement and intelligence analyst John Miller replied, “They do not know who he is. They know he is a male, possibly white. He’s wearing sunglasses, he appears to have a mustache, and that picture has been distributed to every police officer in New York City, particularly has been sent to the phones of the search teams inside that building because whenever they encounter a group of people, the first thing they have to figure out is is that individual among these people, hiding among victims or pretending to be an office worker.”
Burnett then repeated Miller’s claim that the suspect was “male, possibly white.”
When Miller made his statement, a photo from a surveillance video was already circulating on social media, showing that the suspect was very clearly not white.
Tamura is accused of opening fire at 345 Park Avenue, a high-rise that houses the NFL’s headquarters and the Blackstone investment firm. Four innocents were killed in the attack, including NYPD Officer Didarul Islam. Authorities say Tamura died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene.
Shooter Claimed to Suffer From CTE
Tamura was found carrying a note in his pocket claiming he suffered from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease often associated with repeated head trauma. He alleged the condition stemmed from playing tackle football.
Investigators are currently looking for additional insight into his motive, though no official connection has been established between his medical claims and the shooting.
Media Bias Accusations Resurface
Critics say CNN’s description plays into a broader pattern of premature or politically skewed narratives in legacy media coverage. The apparent rush to speculate about the suspect’s race — despite visual evidence to the contrary — promptly reignited accusations of bias and agenda-driven reporting.
Trump Responds: “God Bless the NYPD”
President Donald Trump weighed in Monday night on Truth Social, writing:
“I’ve been briefed on the tragic shooting that took place in Manhattan, a place that I know and love. I trust our Law Enforcement Agencies to get to the bottom of why this crazed lunatic committed such a senseless act of violence.”
“My heart is with the families of the four people who were killed, including the NYPD Officer, who made the ultimate sacrifice. God Bless the New York Police Department, and God Bless New York!”
What Comes Next
As the investigation into Tamura’s motives continues, renewed attention is falling on the media — with critics pointing to yet another self-inflicted credibility crisis.
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When will people understand that CNN is a Communist No News Propaganda outlet?
Why does ANYONE even listen or watch this commie news org’
IT’S INPOSSIBLE FOR THE COMMUNIST NEWS NETWORK TO TELL THE TRUTH, IF THEY EVER REPORTED THE TRUTH THE BUILDING THAT THEY WORK IN WOULD NO DOUBT COLLAPSE.
Thank goodness no one is watching cnn.