Officer Didarul Islam Remembered After Deadly NYC Shooting \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Thousands gathered in New York to honor Officer Didarul Islam, a Bangladeshi-American killed in a mass shooting. He was working a private security detail when he saved lives during the attack. Family, faith leaders, and officials praised his sacrifice, dedication, and immigrant journey.
Quick Looks
- Mourners filled a Bronx mosque to honor Officer Didarul Islam.
- Islam, a Bangladeshi-born NYPD officer, was killed during a mass shooting.
- He was working private security when gunfire erupted at a Manhattan skyscraper.
- Islam was a father of two, with a third child on the way.
- NYPD Commissioner called him a believer in the American dream.
- Promoted posthumously to detective for his heroism and service.
- White House and Mayor Eric Adams praised his sacrifice.
- Governor Hochul credited him with saving lives during the shooting.
- Community leaders emphasized Islam’s immigrant background and Muslim faith.
- Other shooting victims, including Wesley LePatner and Julia Hyman, were also mourned.
Deep Look
New York City paused in mourning on Thursday as thousands gathered to honor Officer Didarul Islam—a Bangladeshi-American NYPD officer who died in the line of duty during a mass shooting in Manhattan. The somber ceremony, held at Parkchester Jame Masjid in the Bronx, brought together family, colleagues, dignitaries, and members of the city’s Bangladeshi and Muslim communities.
Islam, 36, was working an NYPD-approved private security detail in full uniform when a gunman opened fire inside a Manhattan office building earlier this week. Four people, including Islam, were killed. The skyscraper houses several high-profile corporate offices, including the NFL’s headquarters.
“He did believe in the American dream, not as something handed down, but something built with your own hands,” NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said to those gathered. “He lived to help others.”
Islam’s widow, unable to speak herself, had a relative read a powerful tribute: “To our family, he was our world. To the city, he was a proud NYPD officer who served with compassion and integrity.”
Islam, the eldest of several siblings, supported not only his wife and children in the Bronx but also his parents back in Bangladesh. His devotion to family and duty stood out among his peers, said Deputy Inspector Muhammad Ashraf, who called him “humble, steady, and reliable.”
His heroism was further recognized with a posthumous promotion to the rank of detective. Fire trucks hoisted a massive American flag above nearby streets, and a flatbed truck displayed a digital billboard honoring him with a message from his union.
In his remarks, Mayor Eric Adams called Islam’s choice to serve in uniform a reflection of true patriotism. “He could have done anything else,” Adams said, “but he wanted to protect fellow New Yorkers. That’s the greatest symbol of what this country stands for.”
Islam began his career with the NYPD as a school safety agent before becoming a full officer less than four years ago. He described policing as “a blanket for the community, providing comfort and care.” His dedication earned him the respect of his peers and superiors.
At the service, Imam Zakir Ahmed highlighted Islam’s immigrant journey and Muslim identity, noting the challenges faced by individuals like him in today’s political climate. “He lived at a time when people like him are too often feared, vilified, and made to feel like outsiders,” Ahmed said. “It’s time for New York and America to give back—to protect our dignity the way Officer Islam protected yours.”
Muslim officers and worshippers knelt in prayer following the service while uniformed NYPD officers stood at attention. Islam’s casket, draped in the U.S. and NYPD flags, was later taken to Totowa, New Jersey, for burial.
The Shooting and Its Aftermath
Authorities identified the shooter as Shane Tamura, a 27-year-old with a background in casino surveillance work in Las Vegas. Tamura reportedly believed he had a brain disorder linked to his time playing high school football and targeted the NFL, accusing the league of concealing long-term neurological risks.
However, police say Tamura mistakenly exited the elevator on the wrong floor, initiating the attack elsewhere in the building. He fired more than 47 rounds, killing four people and seriously injuring an NFL employee.
Police recovered more than 800 rounds of ammunition from Tamura’s car and psychiatric medication at his home. Although mental illness was confirmed, officials declined to provide further medical details.
Governor Kathy Hochul praised Islam’s actions, calling him a “barrier” that protected others from harm. “He saved lives. He was out front. Others may be alive today because of him,” she said.
Remembering the Other Victims
In addition to Officer Islam, other victims of the shooting were laid to rest this week. Wesley LePatner, 43, a senior executive at Blackstone and mother of two, was remembered at a service at Central Synagogue. Her husband described his grief as “a Mount Everest-sized hole.”
Julia Hyman, a 27-year-old real estate firm worker, was also mourned at the same synagogue the day before. Funeral arrangements for the fourth victim, security guard Aland Etienne, are still pending.
The tragedy has shaken the city and sparked renewed conversations about workplace security, mental health, and the daily risks taken by those who protect the public.
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