The NYPD officer fatally shot during Monday’s Midtown Manhattan rampage has been identified as Officer Didarul Islam — a dedicated public servant, husband, and father of two, with a third child on the way.
Officer Islam, 36, a nearly four-year veteran of the force, was working off-duty security in full NYPD uniform at 345 Park Avenue when he was gunned down by 27-year-old Shane Tamura in a horrifying attack that left four people dead and another injured.
“He was doing what he does best — what all members of the police department commit to — saving lives,” Mayor Eric Adams said during a somber press conference. “He was protecting New Yorkers.”
Born in Bangladesh, Islam immigrated to the U.S. and devoted his life to public service. According to officials, his wife is eight months pregnant. The couple has two young sons.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch described Islam as a hero who gave his life in the line of duty. “He put himself in harm’s way. He made the ultimate sacrifice. He died as he lived — a hero,” she said. “I extend my deepest sympathies to all the victims and their families, and to the NYPD officers who lost a brother today.”
Islam joined the NYPD in December 2021 and was assigned to the 47th Precinct in the Bronx. On Monday, while working a private security detail for Rudin Management Company, he confronted the armed suspect just moments before he was killed.
NYPD Commissioner Tisch has now detailed the chilling timeline of events:
6:28 p.m. — Reports of shots fired began coming in from 345 Park Avenue.
The shooter, Shane Tamura, arrived in a black BMW and entered the building carrying an M4-style rifle. Upon entry, he shot Officer Islam in the lobby. He then fired on others nearby, killing a woman hiding behind a pillar and a security guard at his post. A fourth person was shot and critically wounded. Tamura then rode the elevator to the 33rd floor, where he fatally shot another man before taking his own life. The entire ordeal unfolded rapidly, but officials have not yet confirmed the total duration.
Tamura, who sources say traveled across the country before the attack, left behind a note citing grievances with the NFL and delusional claims of brain damage, despite never having played professional football.
Officer Islam’s death has shaken the NYPD and the wider community. His family and fellow officers gathered at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center as his body was transported with full honors.
“He was a hardworking police officer, proud to wear the NYPD uniform,” said Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry. “He went out every day to serve this city and to provide for his family.”
Four civilians were also killed in the attack, and one remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition.
