Brave NYPD Officer Didarul Islam, 36, Killed in NYC Shooting — Here's What We Know About Him

The New York City police officer, who was working security at the building where the shooting occurred, has been widely praised for his courage and commitment to duty.

Officer Didarul Islam was among four people killed in a deadly shooting that unfolded at a Midtown Manhattan high-rise on the evening of July 28. The NYPD confirmed his death, describing him as a dedicated officer who gave his life while protecting others.

The 36-year-old was fatally shot while off duty at 345 Park Avenue, where he was providing security. According to authorities, a lone gunman entered the building around 6:30 p.m. and opened fire in the lobby, striking Islam in the back.

The gunman then took the elevator to the 33rd floor, where he killed three additional victims and wounded another before barricading himself in an office. Police later discovered the suspect dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He is believed to have used an AR-15 rifle in the attack.

The officer who was killed, Islam, had served with the NYPD 47th precinct in the Bronx for three and a half years and was known for his quiet dedication and deep sense of duty. A Bangladeshi immigrant, he lived in Queens with his wife and two young sons. His wife is currently pregnant with their third child.

The department, city officials, and fellow officers are mourning the loss of a man they described as selfless and courageous.

"Police Officer Didarul Islam represented the very best of our department," the NYPD said in a statement. "He was protecting New Yorkers from danger when his life was tragically cut short today. We join in prayer during this time of incomprehensible pain. We will forever honor his legacy."

In a press conference, the NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch emphasized that Officer Islam lost his life while doing the job he had been tasked to do, putting himself in harm's way and making the ultimate sacrifice. "Shot in cold blood, wearing a uniform that stood for the promise that he made to the city. He dies as he lived, a hero," Tisch added.

Mayor Eric Adams also paid tribute, calling Officer Islam "the best of New York City" and noting that he "put on a uniform to protect and serve us all."

Adams said, "I am praying for his wife, children, parents, and loved ones. I cannot imagine the pain they're going through. When NYPD members go to work every day, their families pray a day like this never happens. We will be with them every step of the way."

The mayor acknowledged the loss of the three other victims and expressed concern for the individual who remains in critical condition. He described the attack as a senseless and random act of violence, emphasizing that the victims and their loved ones remain in the city's thoughts.

"The entire event is still under investigation, and we're working with our partners at the FBI. We're carefully searching the office building, however, we believe the incident is over, and the shooter was acting alone. He is now dead, and New Yorkers have nothing further to fear," Adams declared.

The mayor, who met with Islam's family on Monday night, shared that the late officer was his parents' only son. He noted that everyone he spoke with described Islam as a man of faith, someone who believed in God, and was committed to living a life guided by those values.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul also spoke out, "We mourn four New Yorkers, including one of New York's Finest, taken in a senseless act of violence. Our hearts are with their loved ones and everyone affected by this tragedy."

Now, investigators continue to piece together the shooter's motive. The gunman has been identified as 27-year-old Shane Devon Tamura of Las Vegas. According to a source familiar with the investigation, a suicide note was found in his pocket detailing grievances with the National Football League (NFL). Park Avenue skyscraper, where the shooting took place, houses several corporate offices, including those of the NFL.

Tamura's suicide note also claims he suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain disease associated with repeated head trauma. In the note, he also requested that his brain be studied.

The tragedy in New York follows on the heels of a separate law enforcement shooting in Massachusetts. A 28-year-old North Andover police officer was wounded in a confrontation with her colleagues during a court-ordered intervention at her home.

Newly released court documents revealed that Justin Aylaian, the fiancé of Officer Kelsey E. Fitzsimmons, had expressed fears that she might harm their infant son and take her own life.

This concern led him to obtain a restraining order, which was served just hours before Fitzsimmons was shot during an armed confrontation with fellow officers.

"I fear she will kill the baby at any moment," Aylaian wrote in the application. "Kelsey is threatening to take the baby 'far, far, far away for a long, long time.' This is how she has spoken about killing herself in the past."

He also alleged that she "punched her stomach repeatedly while pregnant, saying she would kill herself and the baby." Aylaian, who also serves in North Andover, alerted police ahead of time, warning them about Fitzsimmons' possible reaction.

A judge issued the order at 4:31 p.m. on Monday, June 30, 2025. About two hours later, three officers arrived at her Phillips Brooks Road residence to deliver the court order.

According to authorities, the 28-year-old was off duty at the time and became involved in an armed confrontation that ended when she was shot once in the chest. She was flown to a Boston hospital and was listed in stable condition as of Tuesday morning.

Court documents showed that Fitzsimmons gave birth to her son on February 16. On March 9, emergency responders were called to her home due to a reported mental health episode.

She was involuntarily hospitalized for 12 hours at Lowell General Hospital and diagnosed with postpartum depression. The next day, she surrendered both her department-issued firearm and a privately owned weapon.

As a result, her license to carry was suspended, and she was placed on administrative leave on April 30. In May, she filed a request to have her license reinstated, citing her continued treatment under a psychiatrist and therapist.

By June 18, police cleared her to return to work and reinstated her license to carry. Authorities have not confirmed whether her firearms were returned. As of the day of the incident, she remained on administrative leave, according to Police Chief Charles Gray.

The restraining order was prompted by an incident on June 28 in Maine. In the filing, the fiancé alleged that Fitzsimmons punched him multiple times in the face during a gathering with family and friends. He said he left the location out of fear and claimed she continued to act aggressively toward others after his departure.

While intoxicated, she reportedly left Maine intending to retrieve her child, who was with the fiancé's parents. Fitzsimmons' parents eventually took custody of the baby. Multiple police departments were contacted during this time.

"I fear if she doesn't have me she will kill the baby because she has said she has nothing besides me," Aylaian expressed. He described Fitzsimmons as a danger to himself, their son, and herself.

The restraining order, effective until at least July 14, also required Fitzsimmons to surrender any remaining firearms and stay away from his residence and the North Andover Fire Department. He is also seeking full legal and physical custody of their child; that request is currently pending.

Fitzsimmons joined the North Andover Police Department in May 2024. She previously worked for the Essex County Sheriff’s Department and graduated from Fisher College in 2020.

At a press conference on Tuesday, Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker confirmed that three officers, including a supervisor, were sent to serve the court-approved order.

"When one of the officers was escorting Ms. Fitzsimmons during the service of the court order, an armed confrontation took place. As a result of that armed confrontation, one of the responding officers discharged their weapon, which struck Ms. Fitzsimmons once," Tucker said.

He did not specify where she was shot and declined to comment on her mental health. The officer who discharged their weapon had not been identified, but had served with the department for over 20 years.

When asked if Fitzsimmons was armed, Tucker stated that those details were still under review, pending interviews conducted by State Police detectives. Chief Gray noted that North Andover Police do not use body cameras.

Tucker emphasized the dangers associated with serving restraining orders, regardless of who is involved. "We also know that serving restraining orders, court-approved restraining orders are sometimes some of the most dangerous duties that police officers can cover, no matter who the object of that order is," he noted.

He also confirmed that standard procedures during such court orders include retrieving any firearms in the home. A handwritten note in the court document, obtained by WBZ-TV, warned officers in advance: "Defendant is an officer with a license to carry. Plaintiff expressed concerns regarding Defendant's reaction to being served."

Mental health clinician Jeff Zeizel underscored the importance of emotional support after critical incidents. "The more people process their feelings and deal with the trauma, the healthier they become," he shared.

The investigation into the incident remained ongoing as authorities continued to gather statements and review evidence. Kelsey Fitzsimmons remained in recovery and was in stable condition, while questions surrounding the confrontation and her mental health history were under further review by state and local officials.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text "help" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741, or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.