Blackstone Executive Killed in N.Y.C. Shooting Identified as a Mom of 2 and Leader of Firm’s Women’s Initiative

Wesley LePatner, a high-ranking Blackstone executive and mother of two, was among four people killed in the July 28 mass shooting at the firm’s Manhattan headquarters, the company confirmed Tuesday.

LePatner was shot and killed in the lobby of Blackstone’s Park Avenue office building in Midtown, where the attack unfolded just before 9 a.m. The suspected gunman, 42-year-old Shane Devon Tamura of Las Vegas, died by suicide after carrying out the assault, according to the NYPD.

“Words cannot express the devastation we feel,” Blackstone said in a statement. “Wesley was a beloved member of our team — brilliant, passionate, generous, and deeply respected. She embodied the best of Blackstone. Our hearts are with her husband, children, and all who loved her.”

LePatner was one of the firm’s most prominent leaders, serving as Global Head of Core+ Real Estate and CEO of Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust (BREIT). She also chaired Blackstone’s Women’s Initiative, pushing for a more inclusive workplace and advocating for diversity across leadership ranks.

In an earlier interview with Leaders Magazine, LePatner emphasized the importance of elevating diverse voices: “It’s not just about getting people to the table — once they’re there, we want to make sure they’re heard. That’s essential to how we invest and lead.”

LePatner joined Blackstone in 2014 and was recently appointed as an Elective Trustee to the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s board in February 2025. A Yale graduate, she was recognized across the industry for her leadership and vision.

During the attack, LePatner was in the building’s lobby when she was fatally shot, according to The Wall Street Journal. The shooter reportedly opened fire with an M4 rifle, killing three others, including off-duty NYPD officer Didarul Islam and a security staff member. Several others were wounded, including a staff member from the NFL, which also has offices in the building.

Following the initial shooting, Tamura rode an elevator to the 33rd floor and shot himself, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said during a press briefing. Authorities confirmed Tamura had a “documented mental health history.”

Company employees scrambled to alert one another during the chaos, using internal messaging systems like Microsoft Teams to issue warnings, according to reports.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed in a staff memo that one of the league’s employees was seriously injured but in stable condition.

LePatner’s death sent shockwaves through the financial world, where she was known not only for her business acumen but also for her warmth, mentorship, and fierce commitment to equity.

“She was a powerhouse — but also incredibly kind,” one colleague said in a tribute shared on LinkedIn. “She lifted others up and made this industry better.”

LePatner is survived by her husband and two young children.

The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing. Authorities have not disclosed a motive, and no connection between the shooter and any of the victims has been publicly confirmed.