In New York City, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell addressed the tragic shooting that occurred earlier this week, describing it as an “attack on humanity.” Goodell made these remarks while speaking remotely before the preseason game between the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday. He typically attends the Hall of Fame game each year but chose to remain in New York to attend the funeral of Didarul Islam, a police officer who was killed in the incident.
The shooting, which took place at the building where the NFL’s offices are located, tragically resulted in the deaths of four individuals, including the gunman, Shane Devon Tamur, who reportedly took his own life after the attack. Goodell expressed his deep concern over the impact of this violent act, stating, “This attack is far more than on several individuals. This is an attack on our communities. This is an attack on New York. This is an attack on our way of life.”
During his comments, Goodell provided an update on an NFL employee who was seriously injured in the shooting. He explained that the employee is currently in stable condition and improving. Goodell shared a personal moment, saying, “I got to spend about an hour with him. (He) is an amazing young man and so we’re optimistic about his recovery.” He emphasized the emotional toll this incident has taken, revealing that the injured employee has a young family.
As the Hall of Fame game drew near, the league organized a moment of silence to honor the victims, with fans at Tom Benson Stadium participating in this solemn remembrance. Goodell reflected on the broader implications of such violence, stating, “These acts of senseless violence and hatred are happening around our country and our world far too often.”
Touching on the healing process, Goodell remarked that the NFL has the power to bring people together, especially during the challenging start to the new season. He concluded his address with a note of gratitude for the support the league has received globally since the incident.
On the field, the Chargers showcased their dominance by defeating the Lions 34-7 in the first preseason game of the year.
