Slain NYPD officer hailed as hero as flags fly half-staff to honor NYC shooting victims

Loading Video…

This browser does not support the Video element.

Dignified transfer of fallen NYPD officer, victim of NYC shooting

FOX 5 NY's Richard Giacovas reports live from the Bronx during a procession held for NYPD Officer Didarul Islam, one of the victims of the Midtown office shooting.

A somber morning in New York City on Tuesday as the city mourns the loss of four innocent victims, including a veteran NYPD officer, whose lives were claimed during a shooting rampage just hours earlier.

A procession was later held for NYPD Officer Didarul Islam. FOX 5 NY's Richard Giacovas reported live from the procession.

What they're saying:

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has ordered all flags on all city buildings to be lowered to half-staff until further notice, while New York Gov. Kathy Hochul issued the same order for the state until all victims are laid to rest.

"As a mark of respect for the memory of NYPD Officer Didarul Islam, who died in the line of duty, and the multiple victims of the mass shooting in Midtown Manhattan at 345 Park Avenue yesterday," Adams said on X early Tuesday morning.

"The violence we witnessed at the hands of this individual is sickening, unacceptable and it must stop here," Hochul said. "An attack on one of us is an attack on all of us, and we must confront this violence head on. My heart is with our neighbors in Manhattan, the victims and their families — as well as the brave men and women of the NYPD."

Slain officer honored

Adams joined other city officials, several NYPD officers, family and friends at Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center early Tuesday for the dignified transfer of Officer Didarul Islam's remains.

With hands on their hearts, they paid their respects as the mayor said the 36-year-old husband and father "died as he lived, a hero and protector of New York City. We will never forget you."

Tributes continue to pour in for Islam, whose wife is currently eight months pregnant with their third child.

"May Police Officer Didarul Islam’s memory be a blessing," said NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch.

NYPD officer, 36, with pregnant wife, 2 kids killed in Midtown shooting

Didarul Islam, 36, was fatally shot during Monday’s Midtown Manhattan shooting. Sources say the off-duty NYPD officer was married, and his wife is eight months pregnant.

The New York Police Department said the three-and-a-half-year veteran "represented the very best of our department."

"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."

Dignified transfer of fallen NYPD officer

Two NYPD ambulances provided dignified transport for the fallen officer. Hundreds of NYPD officers lined the street of Virginia Avenue as a motorcade came through.

It is currently unknown when the funeral for Officer Islam will be held.

FOX 5 NY's Richard Giacovas spoke to President of the Police Benevolent Association Patrick Henry after the procession for Islam.

"He gave his life for this city. A hard-working cop who devoted his life to this city… his dream was to become a police officer, and that's what he did," Henry said. 

Trump breaks silence

President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social Tuesday morning, calling the shooter a "crazed lunatic," who committed "a senseless act of violence."

"I have been briefed on the tragic shooting that took place in Manhattan, a place that I know and love," the president said. "I trust our Law Enforcement Agencies to get to the bottom of why this crazed lunatic committed such a senseless act of violence. My heart is with the families of the four people who were killed, including the NYPD Officer, who made the ultimate sacrifice. God Bless the New York Police Department, and God Bless New York!"

What we know:

Four people were killed, including three civilians and an NYPD officer, after a man identified as 27-year-old Shane Tamura opened fire inside a Midtown Manhattan office building on Monday, then took his own life.

A fifth victim, believed to be an NFL employee, is still in critical condition.

Authorities say Tamura drove cross-country from Nevada, and arrived in New York the same day of the shooting.

Who is Shane Tamura? What we know about the Midtown Manhattan shooting suspect

Police are investigating a reported active shooter at a Midtown Manhattan high-rise. Here’s what we know about the suspect involved in the incident near Park Avenue.

"He came from Las Vegas to New York City to do harm," Adams told Good Day New York.

Surveillance footage shows Tamura walking into the building holding an M4-style rifle, before officials say he entered the lobby and immediately shot the officer and a woman before heading into the elevator.

He continued to the upper floors, where police say he shot a security guard, another man and one more person before fatally shooting himself in the chest.

Timeline:

According to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, Tamura’s black BMW was tracked over a three-day journey from Nevada to Midtown.

Officials say he began his journey in Nevada, driving east from Las Vegas on Friday, July 25, when his vehicle was tracked traveling through Colorado. 

What is Rudin Management? Gunman's intended destination not yet clear

It’s not immediately clear why Shane Tamura chose 345 Park Avenue as his destination after driving across the country with an AR-15-style rifle, or even if Rudin Management was his intended target.

The following day, he continued his trip across the Midwest, passing through Nebraska and Iowa. 

His car was spotted in Columbia, New Jersey, on Monday afternoon, not far from the New York state line. 

A short time later, he crossed into New York City, made his way to Midtown Manhattan, and double-parked his black BMW along Park Avenue before entering the office building with an M4 rifle.

The Source: Information from this article was sourced from the NYPD and Mayor Eric Adams, and includes reporting from FOX 5 NY's Richard Giacovas.

New York CityCrime and Public Safety