Roger Goodell Fights Back Tears in First Interview Since Deadly NYC Shooting Spree
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell was visibly emotional as he spoke out in his first TV interview since a gunman stormed an NYC building housing the league’s corporate offices, killing four people.
Speaking in a pre-recorded interview with Mike Tirico that aired before Thursday night’s Hall of Fame preseason game, a somber Goodell revealed he had attended the funeral of NYPD officer Didarul Islam earlier in the day, and was remaining in New York instead of attending the game in person.
Officer Islam was killed on July 29 in the lobby of 345 Park Avenue by crazed gunman Shane Devon Tamura of Las Vegas.
“It was a difficult, emotional afternoon, but also a tremendous, heartwarming service for him,” Goodell said of Islam’s service.
Fighting tears, Goodell told Tirico he appreciates the wide support he and the NFL have received, and wants to focus on uniting America in the wake of the tragedy:
You know, it’s difficult, but I will tell you. The outpouring of support we have had from people all over the world, from government leaders to partners to our players past and current, to our teams, coaches and owners, to so many people that have just been outraged by this tragic circumstance. And that’s heartwarming for us. And it’s good to know people are behind us. We do believe that the NFL brings people together. And we are going to continue that. We are going to be lifted by our own efforts to bring the National Football League to our fans. It’s something that I think our employees take great pride in. And that’s why those folks are there tonight, beginning that process of making sure people can enjoy the National Football League. And we’re gonna put our employees as our primary focus. But we think we can also continue to bring our country together around our game. And I think that will be healing, hopefully for our employees – but also remember 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. And all of us have to do more, and make sure that we’re doing everything to get help to people who need help and also to take the necessary precautions. And I assure you, our emloyees are gonna work hard. We’re going to work hard, maybe with broken hearts, but we will carry on.
Wesley LePatner, an executive at Blackstone investment firm, security officer Aland Etienne, and building employee Julia Hyman were also shot dead before Tamura turned the gun on himself.
A source later told CNN that a suicide note was found in Tamura’s pocket “expressing grievances with the NFL and saying he suffered from CTE.”
A moment of silence was held to remember the victims before the Hall of Fame game.
Watch above via the NFL on NBC.
