NYPD Officer Killed in Midtown Mass Shooting While Working Second Job — City Mourns a Hero, Family Left Heartbroken

In a devastating act of violence that shook the heart of New York City, a brave NYPD officer was gunned down in broad daylight while working an off-duty security job in midtown Manhattan. As the city reels from the senseless shooting that claimed five lives in total, tributes continue to pour in for Officer Didarul Islam, a husband, father, and devoted public servant.

The 36-year-old officer was working a second job when he was fatally shot in the back by a gunman armed with an M4-style assault rifle. Islam, a dedicated officer since 2021, had been wearing his NYPD uniform at the time while moonlighting as a private security guard for Rudin Management Company, according to reports from the New York Post.

Islam’s death has left a gaping void in both his family and the community. A father of two with a third child on the way—his wife now eight months pregnant—Islam was widely regarded as a man of faith, selflessness, and quiet heroism. His death came as he tried to shield others during the terrifying moment the shooter opened fire.

A City Brought to Its Knees

The attack unfolded on Monday evening just after 6:30 p.m., near 365 Park Avenue, a high-rise that houses offices for the NFL, Blackstone, and KPMG, among others. Witnesses reported hearing what sounded like automatic gunfire erupt from the building’s lobby.

The gunman—later identified as Shane Tamura, a 27-year-old from Las Vegas—was seen entering the building carrying a large assault rifle outfitted with a silencer, a tactical strap, and a scope. He wore a blazer and button-down shirt, blending in with Midtown’s business crowd until the moment he began his deadly rampage.

Dozens of people were inside the building at the time. Surveillance footage showed police scrambling to evacuate civilians and secure the area while responding to a hail of gunfire. Tamura is believed to have fired several shots before ascending to the 33rd floor, where the offices of Blackstone are located. There, police later found him dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

A Life Cut Short in Service

Officer Islam was reportedly the first person Tamura encountered as he began his attack in the lobby. Islam engaged the gunman and was shot from behind. Authorities later confirmed that his actions likely prevented an even greater tragedy.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, himself a former NYPD officer, addressed the public shortly after the shooting.

“He died doing what we ask our officers to do every single day — protect this city,” said Adams. “He wasn’t just a cop. He was a father, a husband, a man of deep faith. He believed in New York, and he gave his life for it.”

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch praised Islam’s bravery during a somber news briefing.

“He died as he lived — putting others before himself,” she said. “This was cold-blooded. He made the ultimate sacrifice while wearing the same uniform that symbolizes the promise he made to this city.”

Mourning Across the Ranks

The impact of Islam’s death rippled quickly throughout the NYPD and beyond. Patrick Hendry, President of the Police Benevolent Association, called it “an unbearable loss.”

“Didarul Islam was proud to wear the NYPD shield. He worked long hours, picked up extra shifts, did whatever it took to support his family,” Hendry said. “This job was more than a paycheck — it was his calling.”

EMS First, a local emergency services organization, shared a moving tribute on Instagram:

“Tonight, a chair sits empty at the family table. A hero fell protecting others. Remember his name. Honor his legacy.”

Neighbors and friends recalled Islam as a mentor and role model, particularly within New York’s Bangladeshi community. Shueb Chowdhury, who rented the lower level of Islam’s home, told The New York Times:

“I just spoke to him earlier that day. He was excited for the baby, for his future. And now… he’s gone.”

Family friend Marjanul Karim, 31, said Islam had been looking forward to his upcoming wedding.

“He told my mom once that he left a secure job in school security because he wanted his kids to remember him for something bigger,” said Karim. “He wanted to leave behind a legacy.”

Islam’s brother-in-law, Salman Ahmed, added, “He truly loved what he did. He believed in it.”

The Shooter and the Chaos That Followed

Authorities are still investigating shooter Shane Tamura’s motives. Early reports suggest he may have specifically targeted the building due to the presence of NFL offices, although that remains unconfirmed.

Tamura, originally from Hawaii, had no known criminal record. He played high school football and had lived in several states in recent years. Investigators are now combing through his digital footprint, financial records, and mental health history to piece together what led to the deadly rampage.

According to CNN, the gunman opened fire with about 30 people in the building lobby. After shooting Officer Islam, he moved upstairs, where police believe he intended to carry out a more targeted attack. Tamura ultimately took his own life before officers reached him.

During the chaos, two other individuals were detained at the scene. One man reportedly shouted, “Free Palestine, I’m not the active shooter!” The woman had sustained a head wound but was later cleared.

A City in Grief, a Family in Pieces

New York Governor Kathy Hochul issued a statement mourning the tragedy, while Attorney General Letitia James offered prayers to the victims and their families.

FBI agents, including Deputy Director Dan Bongino, were deployed to the scene. KPMG, one of the building’s tenants, also released a statement:

“Our hearts go out to the victims and their families. We’re deeply grateful to the law enforcement and building security who acted with courage and urgency.”

Back at home, Officer Islam’s wife and two sons are left to face life without their husband and father — just weeks before welcoming a new baby into the world.

Final Farewell

The NYPD has promised a full honors funeral for Officer Islam, with flags across the city already lowered to half-staff. His sacrifice, officials say, will never be forgotten.

As one officer posted online:

“He didn’t just wear the badge. He lived it. Rest easy, brother. We’ve got the watch now.”

The city may move on, but for one family, time has stopped. A hero has fallen — and New York will never forget his name.