Bangladeshi-origin NYPD officer Didarul Islam among 4 killed in Manhattan shooting

Didarul Islam, a Bangladeshi-origin officer with the New York Police Department (NYPD), was among four people fatally shot in a tragic incident in Manhattan on Monday.

Bite-Sized: How a Bangladeshi immigrant officer made the ultimate sacrifice

The gunman, identified as 27-year-old Shane Devon Tamura from Nevada, killed himself following the shooting. He had a "documented mental health history", and his potential motive is unknown, reports the BBC.

The three others killed by the suspect were civilians.

Didarul, 36, was a veteran on the force and had served for three and a half years. He was assigned to the 47th precinct in the Bronx. At the time of the shooting, he was off duty and working a security shift at the Rudin Management Company – still in uniform.

NYPD Commissioner Jessica S Tisch hailed him as a hero. "He made the ultimate sacrifice." 

He was a Bangladeshi immigrant and his wife was eight-month pregnant. He also left behind two children, the police chief said.

The police chief went on to state that Didarul had put himself in harm's way and was shot in cold blood. He was wearing a uniform that stood for the promise he made to this city, Tisch added.

"He died as he lived – a hero," she further said.

Mayor Eric Adams said he was a person of faith, and hailed him as a "true blue New Yorker".

Tributes began to pour in for Didar, with Queens Shomrim, a volunteer organisation, stating, "Queens Shomrim sends heartfelt condolences and support to the family, friends, and fellow officers of Officer Didarul Islam of the 47th Precinct. 

"He made the ultimate sacrifice of keeping all of us safe while in the line of duty. We stand with the NYPD and the community during this difficult time."

Regarding the gunman, Tisch said he was believed to have acted alone, and investigators had yet to determine a possible motive for the shooting.

A photo of the suspect that CNN said was shared by police showing a gunman walking into the building carrying a rifle was published by a number of major news media outlets. Preliminary checks of the suspect's background did not show a significant criminal history, the report added, citing officials.

However, according to a New York Times report, the tower had offices of the National Football League (NFL) and a note was found with the gunman mentioning NFL. The shooter entered the building with an AR-15 style rifle.

Nabid Mostafa Zisan, an official at the Bangladesh permanent mission to the UN, lamented the killing and said on a Facebook post, "May Allah help us."

Didarul had joined the force in December 2021, and was off-duty on the day, working as security for the Rudin Management Company. However, he was in uniform.

During the press conference in the aftermath of the shooting, it was also shared that Didarul was hardworking and was proud to wear his uniform and shield. He went out each day to provide for his family, and did what he had to do, including working overtime, it was shared.

Didarul's family is understandably devastated by the loss, including his wife, who is pregnant, and his father who won't get a chance to see his only son again.