NYC mass shooting: Who was Didarul Islam, Bangladesh-origin police officer killed in Manhattan office tower gunfire?

A man with a rifle killed four people at a New York City office tower on Monday, including an off-duty police officer, and injured another person before killing himself, officials confirmed.

The officer who died was Didarul Islam, aged 36. He had moved from Bangladesh and served in the New York Police Department (NYPD) for three and a half years. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch called him a hero and said, “He died as he lived. A hero.” Islam was married, had two young sons, and his wife is currently pregnant with their third child.

The attacker has been identified as Shane Tamura, a man from Las Vegas. He had a known history of mental health issues, but the exact reason behind the attack is still unclear, Tisch said. Authorities are still investigating why he chose this particular building.

How the Attack Happened

Surveillance footage shows Tamura getting out of a BMW with an M4 rifle. He shot Officer Islam as soon as he entered the building, then opened fire on a woman who tried to hide. He continued firing into the lobby, hitting several people.

Tamura then took a lift to the 33rd floor, where he entered a real estate office and shot another person dead. He walked down a hallway and then shot himself, police said.

In his car, police found a rifle case, a revolver, magazines, and extra ammunition.

One man is still in critical condition following the attack, Mayor Eric Adams said, adding that “five innocent people were shot” along with the shooter.

Eyewitness Accounts

Jessica Chen, who was on the second floor attending a presentation, told ABC News that she heard several gunshots in quick succession. She and others hid inside a conference room and used tables to block the door. “We were really scared,” she said. “I texted my parents to tell them I love them.”

Local television showed people evacuating the building with their hands above their heads. The office tower is located on Park Avenue and houses several major firms including Blackstone, and the Consulate General of Ireland.

Extra Security

Commissioner Tisch mentioned that two NYPD officers were working at the building as part of a private detail, a programme where businesses can hire uniformed officers for added security.

Nearby workers said they heard a loud noise and saw people running. “It was like crowd panic,” said Anna Smith, who had been picking up dinner. Many took shelter in nearby buildings until the situation was under control.

The area around the building was closed off, and the city issued alerts for traffic delays and transport disruptions.

Despite this tragedy, officials said that up to late July, New York City is on track to record its lowest number of murders and gun violence injuries in decades.

Inputs from agencies