Mourners flock for miles to pay tribute to slain NYPD officer Didarul Islam, whose service has left a lasting impression
In a somber week for New York City, the community mourns the loss of NYPD Officer Didarul Islam, who was killed in a mass shooting at a Midtown Manhattan office building on Monday.
Officer Islam, a 36-year-old Bangladeshi immigrant, had been living in the Parkchester neighborhood of the Bronx since moving to the city at the age of 20. He joined the NYPD three and a half years ago, starting as a school safety agent in 2019 before becoming an officer in 2021.
The shooting took place at 345 Park Avenue, a skyscraper housing major offices such as investment company Blackstone and the NFL headquarters. The lone gunman, Shane Devon Tamura, entered the building lobby armed with a high-powered rifle and opened fire, killing Officer Islam and three civilians, and critically injuring another. The suspect later died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound after barricading himself on the 33rd floor of the building.
Officer Islam was a dedicated father, leaving behind two sons and a pregnant wife, who was expecting their third child. His family, friends, and the Muslim community, as well as some of New York's most prominent leaders, gathered to mourn him as a dedicated father and hardworking guardian of his fellow New Yorkers.
Foysol Ahmed, a community leader in Parkchester, described Officer Islam as bringing pride to his community through humble service. NYPD Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch emphasized that Officer Islam's impact and legacy would endure among the NYPD and the city, announcing his posthumous promotion to detective first grade during his funeral service.
The incident has deeply affected New York City and especially the Bangladeshi community in Parkchester where Officer Islam lived. His funeral was held at the Parkchester Jame Masjid mosque in the Bronx, attended by hundreds of uniformed officers and community members. Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani sat with Islam's family and remained inside the mosque for prayers, his campaign confirmed.
The shooting has sparked citywide reflection on violence and community loss, with significant attention on Officer Islam's immigrant background, family, and service to New York City. Thousands of officers stood in silent salute during Officer Didarul Islam's funeral, a testament to his commitment to keeping the city safe.
The incident is considered the deadliest gun attack in New York City in 25 years, highlighting concerns about public safety and gun violence. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul described the pain of Islam's death as "searing" and urged the Bangladeshi community to lean on other fellow New Yorkers during this difficult time.
This report was contributed by CNN's Mark Morales, Gloria Pazmino, and Dakin Andone.
[1] https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/29/us/new-york-city-shooting/index.html [2] https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/29/nyregion/officer-didarul-islam-new-york-shooting.html [3] https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/midtown-manhattan-shooting-officer-didarul-islam-dead/3128109/ [4] https://www.cbsnews.com/new York/local-news/midtown-manhattan-shooting-officer-didarul-islam-dead/ [5] https://www.fox5ny.com/news/off-duty-nypd-officer-didarul-islam-shot-dead-in-midtown-manhattan-shooting
In the aftermath of the shooting tragedy in New York City, the Bangladeshi community in Parkchester and the broader US political landscape have expressed their thoughts on the life and service of Officer Didarul Islam. The incident has fueled discussions about crime and justice, with various leaders voicing their condolences and recognizing Officer Islam's unwavering commitment to the NYPD and the city.
As the elections approach, Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani attended Officer Islam's funeral, showing solidarity with his family and the Muslim community, and the event has shone a spotlight on immigration, community loss, and public safety in general-news discourse.
