NYPD Officer Fatally Shot in Midtown Manhattan While Working Second Job; Leaves Behind Pregnant Wife and Children

A devastating tragedy unfolded in Midtown Manhattan on Monday, when NYPD Officer Didarul Islam, a devoted father and husband, was gunned down while working an off-duty security job. His wife, currently eight months pregnant with their third child, now mourns the loss of a man who gave everything to protect others.

Officer Islam, 36, was one of five individuals killed when a gunman opened fire near a commercial building that houses the NFL and Blackstone offices. The shooter, armed with an M4-style assault rifle, targeted the premises in broad daylight, shocking New Yorkers and sparking widespread panic.

Islam, who had joined the police force in late 2021, normally served in the Bronx’s 47th Precinct. At the time of the incident, he was on duty as a security guard for Rudin Management Company, wearing his NYPD uniform.

Mayor Eric Adams, himself a former police officer, spoke emotionally during a press conference Monday evening. “He was doing what our officers do every day—risking his life for the safety of this city. He loved this city. He loved his family. He was a man of deep faith,” Adams said.

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch praised Islam as the embodiment of heroism. “He laid down his life while doing his duty. He was gunned down in cold blood, wearing a uniform that stood for everything he believed in,” she said.

The Police Benevolent Association echoed those sentiments. President Patrick Hendry called Islam’s death “devastating,” describing him as a proud officer who was committed to his family and constantly picked up extra shifts to support them.

Islam’s selflessness extended beyond work. According to friend Marjanul Karim, the officer had mentored many young Bangladeshi men in his community. “He wanted his kids to be proud of him. He left a secure school security job to become a cop because he wanted to make a difference,” Karim said.

His brother-in-law, Salman Ahmed, said Islam “loved being a police officer” and felt his job made a real impact.

The shooter, identified as 27-year-old Shane Tamura from Las Vegas, reportedly walked into the 365 Park Avenue building dressed in business attire. Carrying a high-powered rifle with a silencer, scope, and strap, he began firing in the lobby around 6:30 p.m., where roughly 30 people were present.

Tamura initially exchanged gunfire with Officer Islam before heading to the 33rd floor, where the offices of Blackstone are located. He was later found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. NYPD Commissioner Tisch confirmed that the threat had been neutralized.

In the chaos, officers in tactical gear stormed the building. Footage showed one victim being helped by officers, while others responded to those injured. Two individuals were taken into custody at the scene, including a man reportedly shouting, “Free Palestine, I’m not the shooter,” and a woman with a head injury.

Eyewitnesses described the terrifying moments. One said the barrage of gunfire sounded like “a fully automatic weapon,” while another claimed, “a guy came in with an assault rifle and just started shooting.”

Authorities are investigating whether Tamura had specifically targeted the NFL offices. According to CNN, he fired at Officer Islam first before heading upstairs, seemingly prepared for a last stand. “He came in fully intending to reach a target—whatever that may have been,” said John Miller, a former NYPD deputy commissioner.

A photo of the blood-smeared weapon was obtained by DailyMail.com, underscoring the horror of the scene.

In the aftermath, companies like KPMG—also housed in the building—released statements honoring the fallen officer and thanking law enforcement. “Our hearts are with the victims and their loved ones,” the statement read.

Federal and state officials, including FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino and Governor Kathy Hochul, were quickly briefed. New York Attorney General Letitia James also expressed her condolences, while Mayor Adams personally visited the hospital to pay his respects.

EMS First shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram: “Tonight, a chair at the dinner table is empty. A hero made the ultimate sacrifice. Remember his name.”

That name is Officer Didarul Islam—a father, a husband, a mentor, a protector, and now, a fallen hero.