The tragic events of Monday, July 28, left New York City and its residents heartbroken after a mass shooting at 345 Park Avenue in Manhattan. Among the victims was Didarul Islam, an off-duty New York City police officer, who was working security at the time. His death, along with the deaths of three others, has deeply impacted his family and community. What followed was even more devastating—his father suffered a stroke upon hearing the news of his son’s death. This article delves into the tragic story, the impact on Islam’s family, and the details surrounding the mass shooting incident.
The Heartbreaking Impact on Didarul Islam’s Family
Didarul Islam’s family has been left in unimaginable grief following the senseless act of violence. His cousin, Muhammad Mainul Islam, who is an Imam, spoke emotionally to reporters about the shock and sorrow experienced by Didarul’s father upon hearing the devastating news.
Mainul Islam shared that when Didarul’s father learned of his son’s death, he suffered a stroke. “They are very sad, upset,” Mainul Islam said during a press briefing. This tragic event has been an immense shock for the family, and the grief is deeply felt by everyone close to Didarul Islam.
The loss is particularly hard on Didarul’s wife, who is expecting their third child. Mainul Islam revealed that she has been inconsolable, “always crying” since the news broke. Didarul Islam leaves behind two young sons, ages 8 and 4, with a third child expected in just a month.
Details of the Tragic Shooting
The shooting took place at 345 Park Avenue, a high-rise office building in Manhattan where major corporations such as Blackstone and the NFL are headquartered. The gunman, identified as Shane Devon Tamura, opened fire, killing four people, including Islam. Tamura then turned the gun on himself.
The other victims were:
Wesley LePatner, 43, a Blackstone executive.
Aland Etienne, 46, a security officer.
Julia Hyman, 27, who worked for Rudin Management.
Islam, a 36-year-old immigrant from Bangladesh, had been with the NYPD for 3 ½ years and was off-duty at the time. He was also a father of two and was living in the Bronx with his wife. His family’s grief is compounded by the upcoming birth of their third child.
Law Enforcement and Investigation Details
According to New York City Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch, Shane Tamura had a documented mental health history. A suicide note found on his body revealed that Tamura believed he suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a condition often linked to repeated head injuries. The note also named the NFL, whose offices are located in the building where the attack occurred, suggesting that the NFL was somehow involved in Tamura’s mindset at the time of the incident.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams explained that Tamura had made a critical mistake during the shooting. “He took the wrong elevator bank up to the NFL headquarters,” he said, hinting that the attack may have been a result of confusion or misdirection on Tamura’s part.
Public Reactions and Tributes
The loss of Didarul Islam and the other victims has prompted an outpouring of tributes from New Yorkers and officials. Governor Kathy Hochul expressed her condolences via social media, referring to Islam as one of New York’s Finest, representing “the very best of New York.” She added that the community mourned the loss of four New Yorkers, including a brave officer who gave his life in the line of duty.
Islam’s Dignified Transfer
On Tuesday, July 29, Islam’s body was transferred with full dignity from the medical examiner’s office to a mosque in the Bronx, where his family and community gathered to pay their respects. The dignified transfer was a solemn reminder of the sacrifice made by Didarul Islam.
The tragedy that unfolded on July 28 has left a lasting impact on the victims’ families and the community. Didarul Islam’s sacrifice, his family’s unimaginable loss, and the shocking events of the mass shooting will be remembered. His death, along with those of Wesley LePatner, Aland Etienne, and Julia Hyman, highlights the painful reality of senseless violence. As the investigation continues, our thoughts remain with the grieving families and the loved ones of all the victims.
