Bangladeshi-origin police officer shot dead in US gunfight

Didarul Islam, a Bangladeshi immigrant and New York City police officer, was among four people killed in a mass shooting on Monday evening in the densely populated US city.

The 36-year-old officer, who had served in the NYPD for three years, is survived by two children, with his wife expecting their third child, according to AFP and the BBC.

New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said Didarul died a hero. “He was doing the job we asked him to do,” she stated, adding, “He made the ultimate sacrifice.”

City officials and law enforcement honoured his service and sacrifice during a vigil held later that night.

The gunman reportedly entered the building openly carrying an MR rifle before opening fire in the lobby and on an upper floor. He later died by suicide.

The building houses offices of major organisations, including the National Football League (NFL) and the investment firm Blackstone.

The shooting triggered panic in the heart of New York City, with pedestrians fleeing as police warned of an active shooter.

Authorities identified the suspect as 27-year-old Shane Devon Tamura, who had travelled from Las Vegas. While a clear motive remains unknown, Police Commissioner Tisch confirmed that Tamura had a documented history of mental illness.

Tamura had journeyed across multiple states—stopping in Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, and New Jersey—before arriving in New York shortly before the attack. Police say it remains unclear if he had any prior connection to the city, the building, or its management company, Ruden Building Management.

Investigators recovered a revolver and several magazines from Tamura’s BMW, which was double-parked outside. The car was registered in Nevada, where Tamura was a licensed gun owner.