NFL Community Reacts to Tragic Manhattan Office Shooting/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ NFL players, coaches, and officials are responding to the tragic shooting at league headquarters in Manhattan that left four dead, including an NYPD officer. The shooter, believed to have targeted the NFL but entered the wrong elevator, was identified as Shane Tamura. Commissioner Roger Goodell praised law enforcement and assured staff of increased security.
NFL Office Shooting Tragedy + Quick Looks
- Four people killed in shooting at NFL’s Manhattan headquarters
- Gunman misdirected by wrong elevator, according to Mayor Eric Adams
- Victims include an off-duty NYPD officer, hailed as a hero
- NFL employee injured, currently hospitalized in stable condition
- Shooter identified as Shane Tamura, a Las Vegas resident with mental health history
- Tamura left a note referencing CTE, a brain condition tied to football
- Tamura had no NFL career, only high school football experience
- Commissioner Roger Goodell praised law enforcement response, ordered remote work
- NFL teams express condolences, including Giants and Falcons leadership
- Investigation ongoing, with increased security now in place at league offices
Deep Look: NFL Community Mourns After Manhattan Shooting Leaves Four Dead
NEW YORK (AP) — Shock and grief reverberated across the NFL on Tuesday after a deadly shooting at the league’s Manhattan headquarters left four people dead, including an off-duty NYPD officer. According to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, the suspected shooter, Shane Tamura, had intended to reach the NFL’s office but took the wrong elevator, directing his violence toward innocent bystanders in the building’s lobby.
The violent episode unfolded Monday at 345 Park Avenue, the official address of the NFL’s central office. While police quickly neutralized the threat, the human toll left a lasting impression on the football world.
NFL Coaches and Players React
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll began his press remarks by acknowledging the tragedy:
“You all saw what happened there at 345 Park — tragic.”
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris echoed the sentiment, saying:
“Just want to start out addressing the senseless violence that happened in New York. Just send our thoughts and prayers to everybody involved, including one of our own.”
While both coaches noted they hadn’t had deep conversations with their teams yet, the impact on morale and security awareness within NFL organizations was clear.
Commissioner Goodell Honors Victims and Heroes
In a memo sent to league employees, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed that one league staff member was injured in the attack and is currently in stable condition. Goodell also paid tribute to Officer Didarul Islam, the off-duty NYPD officer who was killed during the incident.
“We are deeply grateful to the law enforcement officers who responded to this threat quickly and decisively and to Officer Islam, who gave his life to protect others,” Goodell stated.
In response to the attack, the NFL closed its New York offices for the day, urging employees to either work remotely or take the day off. Security at the league office will be increased, Goodell added, assuring staff:
“Every one of you is a valued member of the NFL family. We will get through this together.”
Who Was the Gunman?
Authorities have identified the shooter as Shane Tamura, a resident of Las Vegas. Mayor Adams revealed that Tamura had been targeting the NFL and believed the league bore responsibility for his mental health struggles. Investigators discovered a rambling note on Tamura’s body referencing chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) — a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma in contact sports like football.
Although Tamura played high school football in California, there’s no record of him playing in college or professionally. Still, the CTE grievance was central to his motive, according to law enforcement officials.
Tamura, reportedly dealing with a history of mental illness, bypassed NFL offices by mistake due to the confusing layout of the building’s elevator system, Mayor Adams explained. Once inside the lobby, he opened fire, killing four people before being neutralized by police.
A Painful Reminder of Public Safety Risks
The tragedy has sparked fresh discussions about security protocols in high-profile corporate buildings, especially those connected to sports leagues and public figures.
“It’s a painful day for the entire football family,” said NFLPA Executive Director Lloyd Howell. “Our hearts go out to the families of those lost and those recovering.”
Across social media and post-practice pressers, players and executives expressed condolences and demanded stronger safety measures. Fans also lit up comment threads calling for better mental health resources and tighter building access control.
This attack occurs at a time when sports figures and leagues are already facing growing scrutiny regarding CTE-related health concerns, an issue that has long been contentious within the NFL and among player advocacy groups.
Looking Forward
Law enforcement is continuing to investigate Tamura’s background, mental health treatment history, and potential access to firearms. No charges have been filed yet as the shooter is deceased, but a full federal review of the incident is expected.
Meanwhile, the NFL is working closely with NYPD and Homeland Security to assess risk levels and upgrade safety protocols in New York and other league-affiliated sites nationwide.
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