In a startling revelation that has sent shockwaves throughout Wall Street and beyond, NBC News has confirmed that Stephen A. Schwarzman, billionaire CEO of Blackstone Group, was not only the most high-profile figure present during the fatal shooting at 345 Park Avenue — he was also the central figure in what is now being described as a deeply personal vendetta that may have fueled the attacker’s violent spree.

Just 40 minutes after the shooting that left multiple victims dead or injured, investigators identified Schwarzman as having been the likely intended target of the gunman, Shane Tamura — a 27-year-old former data analyst with a history tied to Blackstone’s investment network. While initial reports framed the incident as another senseless act of mass violence, sources close to the investigation now reveal a more sinister and personal narrative unfolding behind closed doors.

According to preliminary findings, Tamura previously worked for a Blackstone-backed fintech startup that collapsed in early 2024. Documents retrieved from Tamura’s encrypted hard drive and cloud accounts include a series of messages and journal entries suggesting that he held Schwarzman personally responsible for the firm’s downfall — claiming that Blackstone had “intentionally sabotaged” the company to protect a competitor’s interests. The startup’s closure cost Tamura his job, his savings, and, based on his writings, “his sense of purpose.”

What was initially viewed as the random selection of a high-profile building now appears to have been a meticulously planned attack aimed at confronting — and possibly assassinating — Schwarzman. Surveillance footage and witness testimony indicate that Tamura asked for a security clearance to access floors associated with Blackstone before beginning his rampage. When denied, he opened fire in the lobby, killing one NYPD officer and injuring several others.

Insiders at Blackstone confirmed that Schwarzman was in the building at the time, attending a closed-door meeting with international investors on the 36th floor. He was quickly moved to a reinforced safe room by his private security detail as gunfire echoed through the building. NYPD tactical units later escorted him out through a freight elevator.

Though uninjured, sources say Schwarzman appeared “visibly shaken” and refused to speak to the press or even colleagues in the immediate aftermath. One staffer described the moment as “the first time I saw him lose his composure.” As of now, Schwarzman has not issued a personal statement, though Blackstone released a second memo to employees acknowledging the “deeply disturbing” nature of the incident and hinting at “personal threats that had recently come to light.”

Investigators are still working to uncover the full scope of the relationship between Tamura and Blackstone. While Tamura was never directly employed by the company, records suggest he attended two Blackstone-hosted accelerator events in late 2022 and had corresponded with mid-level executives over potential funding opportunities. His application was denied.

Psychological profiles indicate a slow descent into obsession. Tamura reportedly created multiple burner social media accounts solely to monitor Blackstone executives. Several disturbing posts, now deleted, painted Schwarzman as “a god among thieves” and “the architect of my destruction.” The FBI has not ruled out the possibility of accomplices, although they believe Tamura acted alone.

This development has sparked a fierce debate about the growing visibility of billionaire executives and the consequences of public exposure in a polarized economic climate. While some view Tamura as a deranged individual with a personal grudge, others argue that unchecked corporate power and opaque financial maneuvering often create invisible casualties — people like Tamura, who eventually snap.

Mayor Eric Adams called the revelation “disturbing but unsurprising,” urging corporate leaders to take threat intelligence seriously and invest in security for themselves and their employees. “This wasn’t just a shooting,” Adams said. “It was an attempted assassination wrapped in a corporate vendetta.”

Meanwhile, 345 Park Avenue remains an active crime scene. Blackstone has temporarily relocated its operations and canceled all public appearances involving Schwarzman for the foreseeable future.

As the investigation deepens, what began as a day of tragedy is quickly evolving into a scandal that exposes the dark underbelly of power, profit, and revenge. One thing is clear: this was no random act of violence. It was personal. And it was planned.