(NewsNation) — The New York City police officer killed in a shooting in Midtown Manhattan on Monday was described as a “hero.”
Officer Didarul Islam, 36, was a veteran of the NYPD for more than three years.
“Pure evil came to the heart of our city and struck innocent people, and one of our police officers who were protecting those people,” said Patrick Hendry, president of the Police Benevolent Association of the City of New York.
“We lost four people tonight, and our hero brother who gave his life for this city.”
Hendry called Didarul a “hardworking police officer” who was proud to put on the uniform and shield of an NYPD officer.
“Every day he went out and did his job,” Hendry added. “And he went out every single day to provide for his family, whether it was overtime or whatever he had to do to provide for his family. That is what he did.”
Didarul, an immigrant from Bangladesh, was said to love New York City and was a man of faith trying to live out his life as a godly person.
“He was doing what he does best, and all members of the police department carry out,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “He was saving lives. He was protecting New Yorkers.”
New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch added that Didarul was married with two young boys, and left a wife who was eight months pregnant.
“He was doing the job that we asked him to do,” Tisch said.
“He put himself in harm’s way. He paid the ultimate sacrifice. Shot in cold blood, wearing a uniform that stood for the promise he made to this city. He died as he lived, a hero.”
Shane Tamura, of Nevada, was identified as the shooter. Police said Tamura shot himself in the chest in the hallway of the 33rd floor of 345 Park Avenue after shooting five people, four of them fatally.
Officers found identification on Tamura’s body, including a concealed carry permit from Las Vegas.
Police believe Tamura acted alone and that there is no ongoing threat.
