Who is Erin Burnett? CNN journalist facing backlash after calling NYC shooter Shane Tamura ‘possibly white' on live coverage

Time of India

29-07-2025

Erin Burnett, one of CNN's most recognisable anchors, is at the centre of a social media storm after a comment made during the live coverage of the Park Avenue mass shooting. Burnett referred to the suspected shooter, Shane D. Tamura, as 'possibly white,' prompting instant criticism from viewers who accused the network of pushing an inaccurate narrative.
🚨🇺🇸 CNN ANCHOR GUESSES MANHATTAN SHOOTER "POSSIBLY WHITE" Erin Burnett looked at security footage of Park Avenue shooter Shane Tamura and declared him "possibly white" on air. The footage showed a man with dark hair and complexion.Initial police description said possibly… https://t.co/UfVsnByS1X pic.twitter.com/RlLzGpFGrp
CNN anchor sparks uproar over shooter description
The backlash erupted after the first photos of Tamura, heavily armed and wearing sunglasses, began circulating online. Despite early police descriptions pointing to a possible Middle Eastern background, Burnett stated on-air that the suspect had sunglasses, a moustache, was male, and 'possibly white.'
Viewers slam CNN's racial assumption
X (formerly Twitter) users wasted no time calling out Burnett and CNN. One user claimed the anchor had completely disregarded clear footage that showed a man with a darker complexion. The criticism was sharp: people accused the network of prioritising assumptions over verified facts.
Another user sarcastically reminded viewers that CNN brands itself as the 'Most Trusted News' and mocked the comment by calling the report 'fake news.' Others voiced frustration that mainstream media continues to 'push narratives' instead of reporting accurately.
pic.twitter.com/UebW4B3u3T This is who CNN called a "white male"#ActiveShooter 33rd Floor 27 year old Shane Tamura
POV: CNN after realizing NYC sh👀ter Shane Tamura isn't white. pic.twitter.com/9S0K23cAQ9
CNN: Shane Tamura is 'possibly white'All of us: pic.twitter.com/U3l05MVjEp
CNN: the shooter Shane D Tamura is 'probably a white male'Everyone: pic.twitter.com/wjBP4Lyo7x
JUST IN: CNN's Erin Burnett will be featured in the upcoming Netflix documentary to discuss the life of 'white supremacist' shooter Shane Tamura starring Jack Harlow! First class! pic.twitter.com/TabGMlTUkp
Critics demanded more accountability, questioning why media outlets often leap to racial identifiers, even when clear evidence or official reports suggest otherwise.
Who is Erin Burnett?
While the controversy unfolds, many are also asking, who exactly is Erin Burnett? A veteran journalist, Burnett currently hosts Erin Burnett OutFront on CNN. Before her time at CNN, she worked at CNBC as a co-anchor and has also held positions at Bloomberg Television and Goldman Sachs.
Burnett, originally from Maryland, studied political economy at Williams College. She has reported from numerous conflict zones including Iran, Egypt, Pakistan, Iraq, and Israel. Her career spans over two decades and includes high-profile interviews and global financial reporting.
Still, this latest backlash might be one of her most contentious on-air moments yet. Whether CNN or Burnett herself will respond remains to be seen, but the online noise is growing louder by the hour.