Roger Goodell breaks silence on NYC shooting, calls it an 'attack on humanity' in emotional interview

Time of India

3 days ago

What was meant to be a celebratory kickoff to the
pre-season turned into a somber reflection of loss and staying together in tough times. As football fans gathered for the Hall of Fame Game between the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Chargers, the absence of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell spoke a lot about the weight of the moment.
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He remained in New York to honor the life of NYPD Officer Didarul Islam, one of four victims in a senseless act of violence that shook the league's headquarters earlier this week.
Roger Goodell reacts emotionally to NYC shooting in first interview since incident
While the annual Hall of Fame festivities in Canton typically mark one of the NFL's most cherished traditions, this year, grief eclipsed celebration. Roger Goodell, deeply affected by the tragedy that unfolded at 345 Park Ave., where the NFL office is located, chose to attend Officer Islam's funeral instead of the game.
Islam, a familiar face providing security at the building, was remembered with deep emotion by the commissioner.
'Tremendous loss,' Goodell said in an interview aired before the game. 'You see the officer's family, his young children… It hits home — the loss, the unnecessary and unexplainable loss.'
A moment of silence before kickoff paid tribute to all four victims, which included Islam, Blackstone executive Wesley LePatner, security guard Aland Etienne, and Julia Hyman of Rudin Management.
The shooter, Shane Tamura, opened fire before taking his own life. He left behind a note criticizing the NFL for its handling of safety issues surrounding chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Despite the chaos, Goodell found time to visit Craig Clementi, the NFL employee injured during the attack. 'He is stable and improving,' Goodell shared. 'I got to spend about an hour with him. (He) is an amazing young man… and we're optimistic about his recovery.'
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It was a message of unity in the face of violence
Goodell's tone was one of heartfelt solidarity and cautious optimism as he addressed the growing epidemic of violence. '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.'
The NFL temporarily closed its offices and encouraged employees to work remotely through August 8, prioritizing both safety and emotional recovery.
A memo sent to staff urged them to 'continue to take care of yourselves and one another.'
'The NFL family is resilient and united,' the league said in its official statement. 'Together, we will find strength in one another as we heal.'
Goodell emphasized that football, even amidst sorrow, could offer a unifying force. 'We do believe that the NFL brings people together,' he said. 'This is the beginning of that process — making sure people can enjoy the National Football League.'
The Chargers ultimately defeated the Lions 34-7, but the result paled in comparison to the emotional weight surrounding the game. For the NFL and its community, healing has just begun.
FAQs:
Q1. What happened at the NFL's New York City office building?
On Monday, a gunman opened fire inside the Midtown Manhattan high-rise at 345 Park Avenue, which houses the NFL headquarters and other companies. Four people were killed, and one was seriously injured before the shooter took his own life.
Q2. Who were the victims of the NYC shooting incident?
The deceased victims included NYPD Officer Didarul Islam, Blackstone executive Wesley LePatner, security guard Aland Etienne, and Rudin Management associate Julia Hyman. NFL employee Craig Clementi was injured but is reported to be in stable condition.
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