New York – Harper Seven Beckham, the youngest daughter of former British football star David Beckham, was at the scene of a horrific shooting at an office building in Midtown Manhattan this morning, an unnamed police source told the Daily Express.
The incident, which occurred around 10am local time, left at least five people dead and several others injured. Among those present on the 19th floor – believed to be the epicenter of the shooting – witnesses said they saw a young girl “who looked a lot like Harper Beckham” being rushed out of the building just minutes after the first shots were fired.
A security guard in the building was quoted as saying by the Daily Express:
“We were evacuating the entire office building when we saw a young girl panicking, someone calling her name ‘Harper’. She was taken away very quickly, she looked like she was in shock.”
The Beckham family has yet to make an official statement, but sources close to the family say David Beckham is “devastated” and flew to New York on a private jet less than an hour after being informed.
A close friend of the Beckham family said:
“David was devastated when he heard the news. He immediately cancelled all his plans in the UK to be with his daughter. Victoria is also very worried and has remained completely silent on social media.”
Harper, 13, was on a school trip to New York with a group of friends from a prestigious private school in London. The trip was part of a 10-day cultural exchange program, and the building where the incident occurred is believed to be where the group was visiting a technology company.
Meanwhile, New York police have identified the suspect as Shane D. Tamura, a 42-year-old man with a history of mental illness. The motive for the crime is still under investigation, but authorities say Tamura may have “targeted a specific individual” who worked on the 19th floor.
The incident has shocked not only because of the level of violence, but also because the potential victims include celebrities and their families. The hashtag #PrayForHarper is currently trending No. 1 on Twitter, as millions of fans around the world send prayers to the little girl and the Beckham family.
One emotional account shared:
“Harper is David Beckham’s angel. Just imagining how much pain he’s in is enough to take your breath away. Praying for him to be okay!”
Harper’s health status has not been revealed at this point. However, according to a rescue worker, she is not among the victims with serious injuries, which brings a small glimmer of hope to the Beckham family and fans.
The NYPD said it would hold a press conference tonight to update details about the shooting, the identities of the victims and the conditions of those involved, including Harper Beckham.
The world is waiting for a positive signal from the Beckham family. And amid the panic and grief that has engulfed Manhattan, millions of hearts are still turning to Harper – the little girl who always appears with a bright smile next to her famous father.
