Didarul Islam, a 36-year-old Bangladeshi immigrant and NYPD police officer, was killed while defending lives during a mass shooting at 345 Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan. The sole gunman killed four victims—including an Islamic and three civilians—before shooting himself dead. Islam, a four-year NYPD veteran and father of two, was on duty working a security detail when he was fatally shot.
Police Officer Didarul Islam represented the very best of our department.
He was protecting New Yorkers from danger when his life was tragically cut short today.
We join in prayer during this time of incomprehensible pain. We will forever honor his legacy.#FidelisAdMortem pic.twitter.com/vkBZetsz2N
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) July 29, 2025
His eight-month-pregnant wife now laments the loss of a hero man. City leaders, including the police commissioner and mayor, honoured him as a testament to courage, faith, and sacrifice.
City Officials Remember Him as Icon of Courage
Didarul Islam was raised in Bangladesh before migrating to New York to improve his life. He has served at the Bronx’s 47th Precinct for the past four years as a member of the NYPD. He takes pride in his position as a public servant, learns English, and works hard to assimilate, according to friends and associates.
He struck a balance between his commitment to his family, his strong religious beliefs, and his work as a law enforcement officer. Islam often talked of the privilege of serving New York, a city he held in high regard.
Park Avenue Rampage
At about 6:30 pm on Monday, the gunman—27-year-old Shane Tamura—entered the lobby of 345 Park Avenue with an M4 rifle and a revolver. He killed Islam first. Islam was among officers assigned to an off-duty security detail who were in the building.
Tamura shot others, killing a security guard, a woman who was taking cover, and a man on the 33rd floor. After the shooting spree, he turned the gun on himself. Responding officers found no explosives. Emergency crews evacuated the building swiftly.
Islam’s Heroism
Officials indicated Officer Islam died while protecting others. Mayor Eric Adams labelled him a man of honour, highlighting his faith and his commitment to New York City. The NYPD stated he was “safeguarding New Yorkers from harm when his life was cut short in a senseless way.”
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch honoured Islam for his courage, stating that he died doing what he had pledged to do—protect life, even if it meant losing his own life.
An Immigrant’s Legacy
Islam’s journey is that of the immigrant dream. He travelled to America to find meaning in life. It was in public service that he found it. His passing serves as a sobering reminder of how important immigrants are to the development and protection of American communities.
Officers all around the city and the Bangladeshi diaspora have found resonance with Islam’s experience. He is more than just a dead officer to many; he is a representation of fortitude and sacrifice.
Bereaved Family and a City in Sorrow
His two sons and Islam, his expectant wife, survive him. His family’s future is now uncertain. City officials assured maximum support, both financial and emotional. The NYPD is planning tributes and a memorial to recognize his service. Vigils are being organized throughout the city by community groups and religious organizations.
Didarul Islam did not perish in vain. He intercepted a gunman and stood between him and innocent lives. His last act was an act of utter bravery. In honouring him, New York also faces the toll of unbridled violence and the unheralded heroism that goes unseen—until it’s lost. His life is a legacy to the strength of faith, family, and responsibility.
