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By Khaleda Rahman
National Correspondent
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The police officer who was killed in a mass shooting in a New York City skyscraper has been hailed as a hero who made "the ultimate sacrifice."
Didarul Islam, 36, was among four people killed in the shooting on Monday evening.
Authorities said the gunman, identified as Shane Devon Tamura, wounded a fifth person before taking his own life.
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The Context
Tamura is believed to have shot Islam first as he entered the skyscraper at 345 Park Avenue at about 6:30 p.m. ET on Monday. He continued shooting before taking the lift to the building's 33rd floor where he turned the gun on himself.
The motive of Tamura, who is thought to have traveled from Las Vegas to New York shortly before the shooting, is still being investigated. Officials say he had a "documented mental health history".
The Manhattan skyscraper is home to the headquarters of both the NFL and Blackstone, one of the world's largest investment firms, are located.
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What To Know
Islam, a migrant from Bangladesh, had served as a police officer in New York City for three-and-a-half years, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a news conference.
"He was doing the job that we asked him to do. He put himself in harm's way. He made the ultimate sacrifice," Tisch said.
"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."
Tisch said Islam was working on a paid security detail when the shooting happened. "Paid detail is a program that we have set up at the police department that allows companies to hire officers in uniform to provide extra uniform security," she said.
Islam leaves behind two young sons, and his wife who is pregnant with their third child.
New York Mayor Eric Adams said he had met Islam's family on Monday night.
"I told them that he was a hero and we admire him for putting his life on the line," Adams said.
The New York Police Department said Islam represented "the very best" of the department and was "protecting New Yorkers" when he was killed.
What People Are Saying
The NYPD said in a statement on Monday: "Police Officer Didarul Islam... 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."
Eric Adams 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 loved this city and everyone we spoke with stated he was a person of faith and a person that believed in God and believed in living out the life of a godly person. He embodies what this city is all about. He was a true blue New Yorker, not only in the uniform he wore, but in his spirit and energy of loving this city."
New York Governor Kathy Hochul said in a post on X: "Officer Didarul Islam represented the very best of New York. An immigrant from Bangladesh, he joined the NYPD to protect his city—and gave his life doing so... We hold his family in our prayers tonight."
Democratic House leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a statement: "The murder of a brave New York City police officer and several innocent civilians is tragic and horrifying. We mourn their loss and stand with their families during this time of need. Our prayers and gratitude are also with those heroic law enforcement officers and first responders who put their lives on the line and selflessly rushed to the scene to save others."
Jessica Tisch said during a news conference on Monday: "Mr. Tamura has a documented mental health history. His motives are still under investigation and we are working to understand why he targeted this particular location."
What's Next
The names of the other victims will not be released until their families have been notified, authorities said.
The investigation into the shooting, and the gunman's motive, is ongoing.
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