A cleaner escapes Park Ave. shooting by fleeing, attributing her survival to divine intervention.
In a harrowing incident on July 28, 2025, Sebije Nelovic, a 65-year-old cleaner employed by Rudin Management, found herself in a life-threatening situation at 345 Park Avenue in Midtown East, Manhattan. As an assailant, later identified as Shane Tamura, opened fire within the office building, Nelovic’s quick thinking and instinct for self-preservation allowed her to escape what could have been a tragic fate.
On that evening, Nelovic was working on the 33rd floor when she heard a series of sharp noises that she initially misconstrued as firecrackers. Realizing the gravity of the situation upon seeing shattered glass, she quickly recognized the danger posed by the gunman who had entered the premises brandishing an assault rifle. As she came face-to-face with Tamura, she raised her hands and identified herself as a cleaning staff member in a desperate bid to de-escalate the situation. Despite her attempts to plead for mercy, Tamura fired at her but fortunately missed, prompting her to flee into a nearby supply closet.
For nearly three hours, Nelovic remained hidden, her heart racing as she heard chaos erupt outside. The sounds of panic and distress echoed through the halls, and she later learned that a fellow employee, Julia Hyman, had been tragically shot and killed during the incident. In the aftermath, Tamura took his own life, compounding the tragedy of that dark day.
When law enforcement arrived, they successfully located Nelovic in her hiding spot. Officers reassured her of her safety as they escorted her from the scene. Though physically unharmed, Nelovic experienced significant emotional distress from the incident and grappled with the loss of her colleague. In a reflection of her emotional state, she expressed sorrow for Hyman, recalling her as a kind and sweet individual.
Having worked with Rudin Management for 27 years, Nelovic described her coworkers as family and acknowledged the unsettling nature of campus violence, something she never expected to encounter in her workplace. Following the traumatic event, her family expressed deep concern for her well-being as they witnessed her distress.
This tragic shooting highlights the chilling reality of workplace violence, a concern that transcends industries and regions. As discussions around gun control and workplace safety continue, the events of that day serve as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers faced by employees in seemingly secure environments.
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