Hundreds gathered at a New York mosque on Thursday to commemorate a Bangladesh-born police officer who lost his life protecting his adopted city when a shooter attacked an office building this week.Officer Didarul Islam “did believe in the American dream, not as something handed down but as something built with your own hands,” Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch addressed Islam’s community as officers stood in formation outside the Bronx religious centre.Officials and New York’s Bangladeshi community members gathered to honour the deceased officer during a service that highlighted his dedication to family, heritage and public service.The 36-year-old officer, a married father of two expecting a third child, was conducting an NYPD-approved private security assignment in uniform when he and three others were fatally shot Monday at the Manhattan high-rise housing the NFL’s headquarters and various corporate offices.“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,” Islam’s widow said in a message delivered by a family member at the Parkchester Jame Masjid mosque, according to the Associated Press.Officers positioned on nearby rooftops provided security whilst fire engines displayed a large American flag across the street. A vehicle carried a digital display showing Islam’s photographs and a tribute from his union.After immigrating to the United States, Islam established his career in America’s largest police department. He viewed policing as “a blanket of the community, there to provide comfort and care,” according to the police commissioner.Initially serving as a school safety agent, Islam became a patrol officer less than four years ago and received a posthumous promotion to detective on Thursday.“He could have gone into any other occupation he wanted, but he wanted to put on that uniform, and he wanted to protect fellow New Yorkers. And he wanted to let us know that he believed in what this city and what this country stood for,” Mayor Eric Adams told attendees.In Washington, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt commenced her briefing by conveying President Donald Trump’s sympathies to Islam’s family, noting he “made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of his fellow New Yorkers.”Imam Zakir Ahmed emphasised the officer’s immigrant background and Muslim faith, whilst noting Islam “lived at a time when people like him are too often feared, vilified and made to feel like outsiders.”Following the service, attendees filled the streets for prayer, including Muslim officers, as their colleagues maintained formation behind them.The officer’s casket, adorned with US and NYPD flags, was transported to Totowa, New Jersey, for burial.Julia Hyman, 27, another victim who worked at a real estate firm, was remembered at a Manhattan synagogue service on Wednesday.Funeral arrangements remain unannounced for security guard Aland Etienne and executive Wesley LePatner.Police identified Shane Tamura, 27, as the assailant, a former football player who recently worked in Las Vegas casino surveillance. Authorities discovered over 800 ammunition rounds in his vehicle and 47 shell casings at the scene.Officials reported Tamura had mental health issues and found prescribed psychiatric medication at his Las Vegas residence. He mistakenly accessed the wrong floor whilst attempting to reach the NFL office. The shooting seriously wounded an NFL employee in the lobby.Governor Kathy Hochul stated at Thursday’s service that Islam “saved lives. He was out front,” adding that “others may be alive today because he was the barrier.”
