NEW YORK — A tragic shooting incident at a skyscraper on Park Avenue, New York City, claimed the lives of four individuals on Monday, including a respected police officer originally from Bangladesh.
The late officer, Didarul Islam, 36, was gunned down while on duty providing security at the commercial building located at 345 Park Avenue, in what authorities are calling a “heroic act of service.” Islam, a father of two with a third child on the way, was remembered as a man who made the “ultimate sacrifice” while protecting others.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams described Islam as “a true-blue New Yorker” and praised his courage: “He was doing what he does best—saving lives. He was protecting New Yorkers and died a hero.”
The gunman, identified as Shane Tamura, 27, from Nevada, reportedly had a history of mental health issues. Authorities confirmed Tamura entered the building and fatally shot Islam before proceeding to the 33rd floor, where he killed three others and eventually turned the weapon on himself.
Among the other victims was Wesley LePatner, an employee of financial giant Blackstone, who was described by the company as “brilliant, warm and deeply respected.” Two more civilians lost their lives in the attack, while a fifth victim, an NFL employee, remains in critical condition.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) shared on social media that Officer Islam served in the 47th District in the Bronx and had been with the force for over three years. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said, “He put himself in harm’s way. He died as he lived—a hero.”
Islam’s family, friends, and members of the Bangladeshi community in the Bronx gathered outside his home Monday night to pay tribute. Community members shared how Islam started as a school security guard before joining the police to serve at a higher level.
“He wanted to leave behind a legacy for his family, something they could be proud of,” said Marjanul Karim, one of the youths Islam mentored.
Mayor Adams, who visited the grieving family, spoke of the unimaginable pain of losing a son: “This was his father’s only son. As a parent, it is a loss that cuts deeper than words can express.”
The motive behind the shooting remains under investigation. The NYPD continues to work with federal and state authorities to piece together the events that led to this senseless tragedy.