By David Close, CNN
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell condemned the shooting in New York City on Monday, labeling it an “attack on humanity” during a remote appearance ahead of the Hall of Fame game in Canton, Ohio, on Thursday night.
Goodell, who usually participates in the season opener, opted to remain in New York to attend the funeral of NYPD officer Didarul Islam, who lost his life in the incident.
While speaking with NBC’s Mike Tirico before the preseason matchup between the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Chargers, Goodell emphasized the broader implications of the shooting. “This attack is far more than on several individuals. This is an attack on humanity. This is an attack on our communities. This is an attack on New York. This is an attack on our way of life,” he stated. He urged society to do more to support those in need and to establish necessary safety measures.
Goodell also provided an update on the condition of a league employee who sustained serious injuries during the attack, which resulted in four fatalities, including the assailant, at the NFL’s Midtown Manhattan offices. “He is stable and improving,” said Goodell, sharing that he spent time with the injured coworker at a local hospital. “He is an amazing young man and so we’re optimistic about his recovery. I think that’s good news for all of us in the NFL and obviously, our hearts continue to be in support with their family.”
He continued, “He has a young family. I had a chance to meet his brother and parents and I think it’s something that is really hard for all of us to understand and to deal with.”
Prior to the Hall of Fame game, the league observed a moment of silence to remember the four victims, prompting fans at Tom Benson Stadium to stand in reflection.
The assailant, identified as 27-year-old Shane Devon Tamur, entered 345 Park Avenue with an assault-style rifle and began firing before taking his own life. A note found on Tamur reportedly indicated he was suffering from CTE, a condition linked to head trauma often associated with football, and expressed grievances against the NFL.
In response to questions about the note, Goodell did not specifically address Tamur’s issues with the league but acknowledged the growing problem of violence. “These acts of senseless violence and hatred are happening around our country and our world far too often – in schools, churches, synagogues and in other places that should just not be happening,” he remarked.
He added, “We all have to continue to be vigilant and do what we can to protect ourselves and the NFL is going to do that with our employees and with our people.”
Reflecting on the tragedy, Goodell had previously conveyed to employees, “This has been a challenging time for our entire team. Please continue to take care of yourselves and one another.”
On Wednesday, the NFL expressed gratitude for the global support it has received in the aftermath of the incident. Goodell highlighted the league’s role in fostering community healing as the season kicks off, stating, “We do believe that the NFL brings people together and we are going to continue that.”
In the first preseason game of the year, the Chargers triumphed over the Lions with a score of 34-7.
