Mourners Gather to Honour NYPD Officer Didarul Islam Killed in NFL Headquarters Attack

Mourners paid tribute to NYPD Officer Didarul Islam, who was killed in an attack at the NFL headquarters. The memorial highlighted his dedication to family and service.

Mourners gathered at a New York mosque on Thursday to honour Officer Didarul Islam, a Bangladesh-born police officer who lost his life in a shooting at a Manhattan office building. Islam, who was working a private security detail approved by the NYPD, was among four people killed in the attack. His dedication to protecting his adopted city was remembered by many, including Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch.

Officer Islam's widow expressed her grief through a statement read by a relative at the service held at Parkchester Jame Masjid mosque. "To our family, he was our world. To the city, he was a proud NYPD officer who served with compassion and integrity. He lived to help others," she said. The service saw officers stationed on rooftops for security, while fire trucks displayed a large American flag nearby.

Community and Family Support

The memorial service highlighted Islam's commitment to his family and community. A married father of two with another child on the way, he supported his parents in Bangladesh and his family in the Bronx. Imam Zakir Ahmed noted Islam's immigrant background and Muslim faith, emphasising the challenges faced by people like him in today's society.

Islam's career began as a school safety agent before he became a patrol officer less than four years ago. On Thursday, he was posthumously promoted to detective. Mayor Eric Adams praised Islam's dedication to serving New Yorkers, stating that his choice to wear the uniform symbolised belief in the values of the city and country.

White House Condolences

In Washington, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt conveyed President Donald Trump's condolences to Islam's family during her daily briefing. She acknowledged that Islam "made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of his fellow New Yorkers." The officer's commitment to service was further recognised by Deputy Inspector Muhammad Ashraf, who described him as "humble, steady and reliable."

The gunman responsible for the attack was identified as Shane Tamura, a 27-year-old former high school football player with a history of mental illness. Authorities discovered over 800 rounds of ammunition in Tamura's car and 47 shell casings at the crime scene. Police believe Tamura mistakenly went to the wrong floor while targeting the NFL's office.

Governor Praises Officer's Bravery

Governor Kathy Hochul commended Islam for saving lives during the shooting incident. "Others may be alive today because he was the barrier," she stated at Thursday's service. The attack also claimed the life of Julia Hyman, mourned at a Manhattan synagogue on Wednesday. Funeral arrangements for other victims have not been disclosed.

Following the service, streets filled with people kneeling in prayer as Muslim officers joined their colleagues in formation. Officers later saluted as Islam's casket, draped in US and NYPD flags, was taken for burial in Totowa, New Jersey.

With inputs from PTI