Who was Didarul Islam? NYPD pays tribute to off-duty cop with pregnant wife killed in office building shooting

Officer Didarul Islam was among the victims of a shooting incident that occurred on Monday, July 28, in a Midtown Manhattan building; the New York Police Department confirmed.

The NYC Mayor Eric Adams revealed in a later press conference that the fallen police officer was a Bangladeshi immigrant. Didarul Islam, 36, had been in the force for three and a half years and was serving at the 47th Precinct in the Bronx. Mayor Adams stated that Didarul was his father’s only son.

The NYPD Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch also spoke about the brave officer at the press conference. Tisch revealed that Didarul Islam was the father of two, and his wife is expecting their third child. The police commissioner got emotional while addressing the media. Tisch hailed Didarul Islam as a “hero” as she said:

“He was doing the job that we asked him to do. He put himself in harm's way. He made the ultimate sacrifice. Shot in cold blood, wearing a uniform that stood for the promise that he made to this city. He died as he lived, a hero.”

She continued:

“I want to extend my profound sympathies to all of the victims and their families and to the brave NYPD cops who today lost a brother.”

May Police Officer Didarul Islam’s memory be a blessing. https://t.co/CxOFKN5Xo1

— Jessica S. Tisch (@NYPDPC) July 29, 2025

The New York Post reported that Officer Islam was off duty on Monday and was working on a private security assignment at an NYC office building for Rudin Management Company. Eyewitness News (@ABC7NY) confirmed that Didarul was carrying a weapon at the time of the shooting. Apart from the officer, three others were fatally shot, and one was injured.

NYC Mayor Eric Adams describes Didarul Islam as a “True Blue New Yorker”

Officer Islam of the NYPD’s 47th Precinct sustained gunshot injuries after a shooting incident at 345 Park Avenue. The city officials confirmed that the off-duty police officer was rushed to NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Later, a press conference was held outside the hospital, where NYC Mayor Adams paid tribute to Didarul Islam. He said:

“He was doing what he does best and all members of the police department carry out. He was saving lives. He was protecting New Yorkers. He's an immigrant from Bangladesh and he loved this city and everyone we spoke with stated he was a person of faith.”

Describing him as a “hero” and a “true blue New Yorker,” the Mayor continued:

“He embodies what this city is all about. He's a true blue New Yorker. not only in a uniform he wore, but in his spirit and energy of loving this city. And early tonight, I met with the officers' family. I told them that he was a hero and we admire him for putting his life on the line.”

Officer Didarul Islam died as he lived, a hero and protector of New York City. We will never forget you. pic.twitter.com/vNYpjpNDTd

— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) July 29, 2025

Patrick Hendry, president of the NYC PBA (Police Benevolent Association), also talked about Didarul Islam during the press conference:

“We lost four people tonight including our hero brother, who gave his life for this city. He was a hardworking police officer who was proud, we know from hearing from his family, to put on that uniform and shield of a New York City police officer every day and went out and did his job."

He added:

“He went out every single day to provide for his family, whether it was overtime or whatever he had to do to provide for his family. That's what he did on a daily basis. And his family is devastated.”

According to city officials, two other males and a female lost their lives after being shot by the assailant. Another male was confirmed to have sustained serious injuries and was in a critical but stable condition, according to Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. The gunman was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound on the 33rd floor of the building.