Didarul Islam's Relative Claims Police Officer's Father Had a Stroke After Son's Death in Mass Shooting

A Tragic Loss and a Community in Grief

The recent shooting that took the life of an off-duty NYPD officer has left a community in mourning. Didarul Islam, a 36-year-old immigrant from Bangladesh and a dedicated member of the New York Police Department for 3½ years, was tragically killed in a mass shooting on Monday, July 28. His death has sent shockwaves through his family and the city he served.

Didarul’s father, who had been working as a security guard at the time of the incident, suffered a medical emergency after learning of his son’s death. According to a relative, the emotional toll was too much for him to bear, leading to a stroke. The news of his son’s passing was devastating, and it is clear that the loss will be felt deeply by everyone who knew him.

Muhammad Mainul Islam, Didarul’s cousin and an Imam, shared his grief with reporters. He described the family’s heartbreak, stating that they were “very sad, upset.” Mainul recounted how Didarul’s father reacted upon hearing the news of his son's death, which led to a medical emergency. “When he heard the message … he had a stroke,” he said, adding that the hospital had not yet released his uncle.

The tragedy also claimed the lives of four others, including Wesley LePatner, a 43-year-old Blackstone executive; Aland Etienne, a 46-year-old security officer; and Julia Hyman, a 27-year-old employee of Rudin Management. All of them were victims of a senseless act of violence that occurred at 345 Park Avenue in Manhattan, a high-rise building housing the headquarters of Blackstone and the NFL.

Didarul was known for his kindness and good behavior, according to his cousin. “Good guy, always. His behavior is very good,” Mainul said, while struggling to hold back tears. He admitted that he was “very upset” to learn of his cousin’s death and expressed deep sorrow for the family. “Forgive me, I miss him,” he said, showing the emotional impact of the loss.

Didarul leaves behind a wife and two young sons, aged 8 and 4. The couple was expecting their third child, which makes the loss even more heartbreaking. His wife, who has been “always crying,” is now left to raise their children without the support of her husband.

In a display of respect and honor, Didarul’s body was transferred to a mosque in the Bronx, where his family and community gathered to pay their respects. The event was a somber reminder of the lives lost and the strength of the community in times of tragedy.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul expressed her condolences on social media, referring to Didarul as someone who “represented the very best of New York.” She also extended her heartfelt sympathy to the families of all the victims, emphasizing the importance of remembering those who lost their lives in this senseless act of violence.

The shooter, Shane Devon Tamura, a 27-year-old former football player from Las Vegas, had a documented mental health history. According to police officials, he left a suicide note on his body that mentioned chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and named the National Football League (NFL) in the note. Tamura had taken the wrong elevator to the NFL headquarters, which led to the tragic events that unfolded.

This incident highlights the need for greater awareness and support for mental health issues, especially among those who may be at risk. It also underscores the importance of ensuring that individuals who are struggling receive the help they need before it’s too late.

As the city continues to mourn, the memory of Didarul Islam and the other victims will remain with us. Their lives were taken too soon, but their stories serve as a reminder of the resilience and compassion that define our communities.