NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell recently delivered a profoundly emotional interview, openly discussing the tragic shooting incident that unfolded at the league’s New York City headquarters. This marked his first public statement since the devastating event, offering a raw and personal perspective on a crisis that shook the New York City community and the entire NFL.
The incident, initially reported with some confusion, involved a lone assailant, Tamura, who police determined was targeting the NFL offices. However, a fateful wrong elevator choice led him to a real estate office instead, altering the immediate course of the tragic event before he ultimately reached his intended target area.
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, Roger Goodell released a solemn letter to league staff, addressing the grave issue and advising employees to work remotely from the Manhattan offices for their safety. This initial response underscored the gravity of the situation and the organization’s immediate concern for its personnel.
Goodell later appeared on NBC’s broadcast ahead of the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game, using the platform to delve deeper into the matter. He reflected with immense sadness on the death of NYPD officer Didarul Islam, describing it as a “tremendous loss” and acknowledging the profound impact on the officer’s family and young children.
The NFL commissioner shared a deeply personal connection, noting that Officer Islam was “somebody that we see outside the building most every day.” Goodell articulated the collective sentiment of New Yorkers, expressing great pride in the NYPD and first responders, highlighting the difficult and emotional nature of that afternoon for everyone involved.
Amidst the grief, Goodell also stressed the ongoing need for vigilance and protection. He affirmed the NFL’s commitment to continue implementing robust security measures to safeguard its employees and personnel, ensuring that such a tragic event reinforces, rather than diminishes, their dedication to public safety.
Furthermore, Goodell provided an encouraging update on the NFL employee who sustained injuries during the shooting, confirming that the individual is now in a “stable and improving” condition. This news offered a glimmer of hope amidst the somber recounting of the events.
The investigation revealed disturbing details about the assailant, Tamura, who, after firing upon an officer and spraying the lobby with bullets, fatally shot another person and then himself on the 33rd floor. A note discovered in his wallet chillingly indicated his anger towards the NFL, stemming from his belief that he suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease.
