Death of Blackstone's Wesley LePatner in Midtown Shooting Sparks Investigation
With the revelation of the Wesley LePatner identity, the Midtown Manhattan shooting-turned-to-targeted-killing with the discovery of the victim's identity as a Jew makes a lot of the earlier comments linking Tamura's manifesto that blamed the NFL all make less sense.
Who was Wesley LePatner?
Blackstone's Wesley LePatner is the Senior Managing Director of the firm. She was hired by the company in 2014. LePatner currently heads up Blackstone's Core+ Real Estate business globally and is also CEO of Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust, a company with $53 billion under management, Bloomberg reports. She is an alumna of Yale University and worked at Goldman Sachs for more than 10 years. She also sits on the boards of a number of big-name New York institutions including the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
'It is with great sadness that we confirm that our colleague, Wesley LePartner, was one of the victims in the tragic incident at 345 Park Avenue,' Blackstone said in a statement to The New York Post.
'She was an exceptional human being—dedicated, caring and beloved by all who knew her at Blackstone and across the industry. She made significant contributions to the firm and our sector, and personified the very best of Blackstone. Our hearts go out to her husband, her children and her extended family.'
'This has nothing to do with targeted shooting NYC'
Right-wing commentator and former President Donald Trump's aide Laura Loomer trained the gun at New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani and alleged that NYC gun violence was the same group that Mamdani was photographed with.
'Blackstone Building had been one of the sites identified by activist group Within Our Lifetime (@WOLPalestine) for the use of slogans such as 'Globalize the Intifada'. Politicians seen in public records and photographs at rallies have included @ZohranKMamdani. The shooter is reported to have said 'Free Palestine' according to witnesses. The victim was Jewish executive at Blackstone. The local Jewish community concerns was on edge.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
32 minutes ago
- Time of India
Hero Realty CEO: Indian real estate has evolved into a de-risked global asset class
Once seen as opaque and risky, the Indian real estate sector has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past two decades. According to Rohit Kishore , CEO of Hero Realty , a combination of sustained economic growth, landmark regulatory reforms like RERA and GST, and rising institutional participation has reshaped the landscape—turning real estate into a credible, stable, and globally relevant investment destination. Productivity Tool Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide By Metla Sudha Sekhar View Program Finance Introduction to Technical Analysis & Candlestick Theory By Dinesh Nagpal View Program Finance Financial Literacy i e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By CA Rahul Gupta View Program Digital Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Neil Patel By Neil Patel View Program Finance Technical Analysis Demystified- A Complete Guide to Trading By Kunal Patel View Program Productivity Tool Excel Essentials to Expert: Your Complete Guide By Study at home View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals Batch 2 By Ansh Mehra View Program In this exclusive conversation, Kishore explains how infrastructure expansion, urbanization, and transparency measures have de-risked the sector and positioned it as a compelling asset class for both domestic and global investors . Edited Excerpts – Q) Is Indian real estate increasingly being seen as a stable investment option by global and domestic investors in today's uncertain environment? A) Over the last 20 years, the Indian real estate market has witnessed robust growth, underpinned by a dynamic interplay between structural reforms and sustained demand. Live Events Together, these forces have transformed the sector into a stable and attractive asset class for both domestic and global institutional investors. On the demand side, consistent GDP growth of over 6% annually has fueled a steady rise in the need for both commercial and residential real estate. Urbanization, rising income levels, and an expanding middle class have further deepened this demand, creating a strong foundation for long term growth. Simultaneously, timely government reforms have played pivotal role in boosting investor confidence. Landmark policy initiatives such as the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA), Goods and Services Tax (GST), and the introduction of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) have brought transparency, regulatory oversight, and liquidity to the sector. These reforms have significantly de-risked investments, making entry and exit more secure and predictable. In addition, India's prudent fiscal and monetary policies have contributed to macroeconomic stability, offering global investors a more predictable outlook for the Indian rupee and easing concerns around currency volatility. The success of these combined factors is exemplified by Blackstone, one of the earliest global funds to enter the Indian market nearly two decades ago. Today, Blackstone is a major player in four out of the five listed REITs in the country. The fifth is backed by Brookfield, another global powerhouse in real estate investments. This level of institutional participation underscores the sector's maturation and global relevance Q) How are new infrastructure projects and better connectivity changing real estate demand patterns in non-traditional locations? a. Expressways like Dwarka Expressway, Delhi–Mumbai Expressway, and UER-II drastically reduce travel times and open up land-rich areas like Sohna, Dwarka, Bahadurgarh, Kundli, and Greater Noida West. b. Buyers get better access to urban centers while enjoying lower entry costs, creating a pull factor for residential, plotted, and affordable housing projects. c. Real estate near metro stations often sees 20–30% higher capital appreciation and rentals, making it attractive for both end-users and investors. Example: Noida Sector 137–142 and Huda City Centre–Cyber City belt saw a rise in premium apartments due to metro accessibility. d. The Delhi–Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), Amritsar–Kolkata Industrial Corridor, and upcoming Multimodal Logistics Parks in Dadri, Dholera and Panipat drive employment. e. This results in floating populations and demand for rental and mid-segment housing, catalyzing integrated townships and co-living developments. Example: Neemrana, once a sleepy town, is now a hotbed for Japanese and Korean investments and has witnessed a boom in plotted land sales. f. Areas with a convergence of expressways, metro, and job zones—like Dwarka–Gurugram–Manesar belt, Noida–Greater Noida, and Kundli–Sonipat—support walk-to-work ecosystems. g. This fuels Grade-A office spaces, retail, and social infra (schools, hospitals), making them self-sustaining micro-cities. Q) Which markets are you approaching or which areas according to you carry maximum potential in the next few years? A) Primarily, our focus remains on tier-1 cities, where we see robust demand and long-term growth potential. However, we are also open to key tier-2 cities like Lucknow, the Tri-City region (Panchkula, Mohali, Chandigarh), and Jaipur, as well as satellite towns around the NCR such as Sonipat, Panipat, and Meerut. Q) What broader industry shifts did you notice in FY24–25, and how did your company adapt to them? A) a. All parts of India are witnessing rapid growth and infrastructure development seems to be driving it across various market tiers and town classes. The real estate industry is perhaps one of the most important stakeholders in this overall India growth story. b. Customers are being increasingly aspirational, seeking high quality and versatile products that meet emergent needs of families, big and small. Therefore, the opportunities for the real estate industry are limitless. From a residential real estate point of view, there are still far too few families who own their own home – something that in part has also been a result of limited, good quality supply. c. From a commercial & retail point of view, with cities growing and developing across tiers, there is a massive requirement for both office and recreation spaces. d. Out of the entire pie, we have been and will continue to remain focused on northern Indian markets. e. We are already invested in Plotted and GH developments. Over the short to medium term, the focus would be to strengthen our presence in those segments across northern Indian markets. f. That said, there are some developments in the retail segment underway even today but dedicated focus on Retail and Commercial as asst classes is currently reserved for Phase 2 of our growth. Q) Have you seen a rising demand for larger living spaces or luxury apartments in recent years? A) a. Both India and Bharat are growing all round as I mentioned earlier. There are enough opportunities for all segments to grow – from affordable to super-luxury given the diversity of our country and the extremely low levels of home ownership currently. b. Opportunities need to be identified by markets and the segments within each that present relatively greater opportunities to grow. So, every developer should have the capability to present and operate in segments that are relevant in the markets they choose to operate in rather than basing their decisions only based on the segment that want to play in. c. Example: If it is more profitable to play in the premium segment than to operate in the luxury segment, so should the choice reflect. This decision also needs to be based on competitive intensity and therefore opportunity (or the lack of it) each market presents. Mid segment always has more preference and that's why it always has a fair share of the real estate portfolio. Q) How is the overall demand outlook for residential versus commercial real estate shaping up in the current financial year? A) a. Residential demand remains resilient in early 2025, with market recovery evidenced by a slight uptick in sales in June, the first year‑on‑year rise in twelve months. b. Office REITs continue to outperform, attracting strong interest from both domestic and global investors, underlining rising confidence in commercial real estate as a wealth-preservation asset class.
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Shannon Sharpe's sexual assault accuser's lawyer hits back, denies racial targeting as $50M lawsuit settlement sparks ESPN fallout
Shannon Sharpe's sexual assault accuser's lawyer denies racial targeting (Getty Images) Tony Buzbee defends his reputation amid accusations of racial bias Marine Corps bond reportedly helped close the case quietly NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe continues to face public scrutiny after the shocking lawsuit filed against him earlier this year by 19-year-old Gabriella Zuniga. As the dust settles from a quiet $50 million settlement, the spotlight now turns to the attorney representing Zuniga—Tony Buzbee—who's firing back after being accused of racially targeting high-profile Black Tony Buzbee, known for representing multiple women in the Deshaun Watson misconduct case, has strongly pushed back against Sharpe's claim that he deliberately goes after Black men. In a candid interview with Esquire, Buzbee made it clear: 'He has no relevance in my life. I actually think he's very entertaining when he yells and screams and talks about sports that he's not involved in. But if I think it's a legitimate case, then I pursue it. And I think this is worth my time.'Buzbee, who previously filed lawsuits involving Jay-Z and Sean "Diddy" Combs, now finds himself under fire for what critics see as a pattern. However, the Houston-based attorney insists his pursuit of justice is based on merit, not race. His comments come after Sharpe was accused by Gabriella Zuniga of rape, emotional abuse, and coercive behavior during their brief relationship in a former OnlyFans model, alleged she was subjected to public humiliation and non-consensual acts—claims that made headlines in April when the lawsuit was officially filed in the public tension, Sharpe's attorney Michael Marino revealed a surprising twist in the resolution. 'Like many highly successful individuals, Tony Buzbee is a complex and formidable figure,' Marino said. 'Our shared experience as former officers in the United States Marine Corps fostered a mutual respect... That brotherhood enabled us to speak candidly and constructively.'That connection led to a private settlement in July, one that has now prompted professional consequences. Sharpe was quietly let go from ESPN following the scandal, though he continues to remain a vocal presence through his popular podcasts Club Shay Shay and Read: 'She just wants attention': Simone Biles faces unexpected NFL backlash as feud with Riley Gaines fuels fan criticism
The Hindu
9 hours ago
- The Hindu
Netanyahu to convene cabinet as Israel decides next steps in Gaza after ceasefire talks collapse
Benjamin Netanyahu will convene his security cabinet this week to decide on Israel's next steps in Gaza following the collapse of indirect ceasefire talks with Hamas, with one senior Israeli source suggesting more force could be an option. Last Saturday, during a visit to the country, U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff had said he was working with the Israeli government on a plan that would effectively end the war in Gaza. But Israeli officials have also floated ideas including expanding the military offensive in Gaza and annexing parts of the shattered enclave. The failed ceasefire talks in Doha had aimed to clinch agreements on a U.S.-backed proposal for a 60-day truce, during which aid would be flown into Gaza and half of the hostages Hamas is holding would be freed in exchange for Palestinian prisoners jailed in Israel. After Netanyahu met Witkoff last Thursday, a senior Israeli official said that "an understanding was emerging between Washington and Israel," of a need to shift from a truce to a comprehensive deal that would "release all the hostages, disarm Hamas, and demilitarize the Gaza Strip," - Israel's key conditions for ending the war. A source familiar with the matter told Reuters on Sunday that the envoy's visit was seen in Israel as "very significant." But later on Sunday, the Israeli official signalled that pursuit of a deal would be pointless, threatening more force: "An understanding is emerging that Hamas is not interested in a deal and therefore the prime minister is pushing to release the hostages while pressing for military defeat. Israel's Channel 12 on Monday cited an official from his office as saying that Netanyahu was inclining towards expanding the offensive and seizing the entire Palestinian enclave. "Strategic clarity" What a "military defeat" might mean, however, is up for debate within the Israeli leadership. Some Israeli officials have suggested that Israel might declare it was annexing parts of Gaza as a means to pressure the militant group. Others, like Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir want to see Israel impose military rule in Gaza before annexing it and re-establishing the Jewish settlements Israel evicted 20 years ago. The Israeli military, which has pushed back at such ideas throughout the war, was expected on Tuesday to present alternatives that include extending into areas of Gaza where it has not yet operated, according to two defence officials. While some in the political leadership are pushing for expanding the offensive, the military is concerned that doing so will endanger the 20 hostages who are still alive, the officials said. Israeli Army Radio reported on Monday that military chief Eyal Zamir has become increasingly frustrated with what he describes as a lack of strategic clarity by the political leadership, concerned about being dragged into a war of attrition with Hamas militants. A spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) declined to comment on the report but said that the military has plans in store. "We have different ways to fight the terror organization, and that's what the army does," Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani said. On Tuesday, Qatar and Egypt endorsed a declaration by France and Saudi Arabia outlining steps toward a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which included a call on Hamas to hand over its arms to the Western-backed Palestinian Authority. Hamas has repeatedly said it won't lay down arms. But it has told mediators it was willing to quit governance in Gaza for a non-partisan ruling body, according to three Hamas officials. It insists that the post-war Gaza arrangement must be agreed upon among the Palestinians themselves and not dictated by foreign powers. Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar suggested on Monday that the gaps were still too wide to bridge. "We would like to have all our hostages back. We would like to see the end of this war. We always prefer to get there by diplomatic means, if possible. But of course, the big question is, what will be the conditions for the end of the war?" he told journalists in Jerusalem.
