A gunman targeting NFL headquarters killed four and "seriously injured" a league employee in a shooting Monday. On Tuesday, "Good Morning Football" addressed that shooting, with anchor Kyle Brandt delivering an emotional statement to his friends and colleagues.
Jamie Erdahl immediately opened the show with news of the shooting. She shared a statement from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and then turned things over to Brandt, who shared his thoughts on the situation.
Brandt's full statement read:
"Heartbreaking news. Last evening, I started getting texts from people around the country asking me if I was OK, not understanding exactly where I work. I do not work in that building, I work significantly downtown. But I am devastated for everyone who does work in that building.
"I also just want to say, I think this is particularly heartbreaking news because at this company, and in that building, this is a time of great excitement and joy and this week represents hope and rebirth. And some of that was taken yesterday.
"It's horrible news. Terribly sad to hear it. And we at 'Good Morning Football' deeply share our support for the victims' loved ones."
Brandt was clearly affected by the shooting, and had to briefly gather himself before offering support to the loved ones of those killed or injured in the shooting.
Erdahl then thanked Brandt for the statement and called the situation "sad" and "heartbreaking."
There were plenty of questions regarding the shooter's motive when news broke of the incident Monday. While it was initially unclear whether the shooter targeted the NFL, New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed that was the case Tuesday.
Adams said the gunman took the wrong elevator in the building and wound up on floor 33, where he died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot to the chest. NFL headquarters are located on floors five through eight in the building.
The gunman reportedly had a three-page letter in his wallet that referenced the NFL and chronic traumatic encephalopathy — also known as CTE, per the New York Times. The gunman, who played high school football, reportedly accused the NFL of concealing the dangers of the sport and asked for his brain to be studied after his death. CTE can only be diagnosed after death.
NFLPA issues statement of support after shooting
"Good Morning Football" wasn't the only entity to issue a statement on Monday's shooting. The NFLPA also put out a note Tuesday, sending "sincere condolences" to everyone who works in the building where the shooting took place.
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll also sent thoughts and prayers to those affected by the shooting.
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris also sent well wishes to those at the NFL, as well as to Colorado head coach Deion Sanders after he revealed he had his bladder removed following a cancer diagnosis.
The New York Fire Department paid tribute to NYPD officer Didarul Islam on Tuesday. Islam was one of the four people killed in the shooting.
This story will be updated.
Comments