Julia Hyman, Cornell Graduate and Rudin Management Rising Star, Among Victims of Midtown Manhattan Shooting

New York, NY — July 29, 2025

The city of New York is mourning the devastating loss of Julia Hyman, a 28-year-old Cornell University graduate and rising talent at Rudin Management Company, who was tragically killed in the Midtown Manhattan shooting on Monday, July 28, an incident that left four innocent people dead and at least six others wounded. What authorities are now calling an act of domestic terrorism has left a city — and a nation — shaken to its core.

An Ordinary Morning Turned Catastrophic

The tragedy unfolded just after 8:45 a.m. outside a commercial office tower at East 46th Street and Madison Avenue, one of the busiest intersections in Midtown. Commuters, office workers, and tourists were beginning their day when gunfire suddenly rang out, sending people fleeing in panic.

According to the NYPD, the gunman, who has since been identified but whose name is being withheld due to the ongoing federal investigation, opened fire with a semi-automatic rifle as pedestrians crossed the street. In what officials are calling a “premeditated and ideologically motivated attack,” the shooter reportedly targeted civilians at random before being shot and killed by police inside the lobby of the office building.

Four victims — including Julia Hyman — lost their lives. Two others remain hospitalized in critical condition. Law enforcement has confirmed that this was not a workplace shooting or a personal vendetta, but rather a calculated act meant to sow fear and chaos in one of America’s most iconic urban centers.

Julia Hyman: A Life Full of Promise

Julia was more than a victim — she was a shining light whose life touched many. A native of Westchester County, Julia graduated from Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration, where she was known for her intellect, warmth, and exceptional leadership. Former classmates recall her as “the glue of every group project” and “the first person to show up when someone needed help.”

After graduation, Julia quickly made her mark in the world of commercial real estate, joining Rudin Management Company, one of New York City’s most prominent real estate firms. Within just a few years, she rose through the ranks, working on sustainability and community-driven projects that transformed how tenants interacted with urban office spaces.

“She had vision, heart, and an uncanny ability to bring people together,” said Eric Rudin, Chairman of Rudin Management. “We are devastated. Julia was family to us. This loss is unimaginable.”

Colleagues at Rudin described Julia as a trailblazer who was passionate about making cities more livable and inclusive. She was particularly focused on integrating green infrastructure and wellness initiatives into commercial environments — a rare combination of professional ambition and deep social conscience.

A City in Grief, A Nation in Shock

The shooting, which is now being investigated by the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, marks one of the deadliest public attacks in Manhattan since the 2017 West Side bike path incident. Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams held a press conference Monday evening, condemning the act as a “terrorist assault on innocent lives.”

“This is not just about New York,” said Mayor Adams. “This is about our country. People like Julia — young, bright, compassionate professionals — are being taken from us because we continue to allow hate to fester and weapons of war to roam our streets.”

Across the city, vigils have sprung up in memory of the victims. At Bryant Park, mourners gathered last night with candles, flowers, and handwritten notes. One card, placed beneath a photo of Julia, simply read:
“You were going to change the world. We’ll never forget you.”

The National Reckoning Continues

As federal authorities continue to examine the shooter’s motivations — including online postings indicating radical beliefs and violent intent — national leaders are again facing calls to address the growing threat of domestic extremism and the ease of access to high-powered firearms.

The Midtown shooting has reignited debates around gun reform, intelligence failures, and the politicization of violence in the United States. Lawmakers from both parties offered condolences, though for many grieving families, words are no longer enough.

“This can’t be normal,” said Rachel Hyman, Julia’s older sister. “She walked out the door Monday morning to go to work. She had a lunch meeting. She had weekend plans. She had a whole future. Now she’s gone — and we still don’t have answers. We don’t even have hope that anything will change.”

A Legacy of Grace and Determination

Julia’s friends, family, and coworkers are remembering her not only for her accomplishments, but for who she was at her core — empathetic, driven, humble, and joyful.

“She believed in the goodness of people and the power of building community,” said Melissa Tran, a close friend from college. “She made everyone feel seen.”

Her legacy is now being honored through the establishment of the Julia Hyman Foundation for Urban Wellness and Equity, a nonprofit being launched by her family to continue her mission of building healthier, more connected cities.

 Summary

• Incident: Mass shooting in Midtown Manhattan
• Date: July 28, 2025, ~8:45 a.m.
• Location: Madison Ave & E. 46th Street, NYC
• Fatalities: 4, including Julia Hyman
• Injuries: At least 6 others
• Shooter: Deceased, under federal investigation
• Motive: Domestic terrorism
• Victim Highlight: Julia Hyman, 28, Cornell graduate, rising star at Rudin Management