CNN’s Erin Burnett is facing backlash for describing the Midtown shooter as “possibly white” after reviewing early security footage.
Shane Tamura, 27, was seen entering 345 Park Ave. in daylight carrying an AR-15-style rifle. Burnett reported that police initially identified the suspect as a male with sunglasses, a mustache, and “possibly white” during her broadcast.
The image of Tamura with the AR-15 showed a possibly darker or mixed complexion, and early police reports suggested he might be of Middle Eastern descent. Critics accused Burnett of making a premature and presumptive statement.
“He may be a bunch of different things, basically anything BUT white,” one internet commenter said.
“CNN should be shut down. They have not reported a truthful story in what seems like forever,” another commenter on X said.
Other users said the suspect’s race was “irrelevant.”
CNN’s Erin Burnett claims the active shooter in NYC is a “possibly white” male. 😳
“They do know what he looks like. Male, possibly white, mustache, sunglasses.” pic.twitter.com/szmVEbNjNp
— I Meme Therefore I Am 🇺🇸 (@ImMeme0) July 29, 2025
