In New York, throngs of mourners gathered at a local mosque on Thursday to pay their respects to a police officer born in Bangladesh who dedicated his life to safeguarding his adopted city, ultimately losing his life when a gunman attacked an office building earlier this week.
Officer Didarul Islam was mourned not only as a protector but as a true believer in the American dream, which he saw as something to be built and achieved through hard work, according to Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch. Colleagues stood solemnly outside the Bronx mosque as a testament to his sacrifice.
The service saw leaders and community members from New York’s thriving Bangladeshi population reflect on Islam’s devotion to his family, his cultural roots, and his service to the city. At 36, Islam was a father of two children with a third child on the way. When tragedy struck on Monday, he was in uniform working an approved NYPD private security assignment at a Manhattan skyscraper housing the NFL’s headquarters.
His wife’s poignant message, delivered by a family member, painted Islam as the world to his family and an NYPD officer who served with empathy. The mosque’s streets were festooned with symbols of gratitude and remembrance—giant American flags held aloft by fire truck ladders and a digital tribute on a flatbed truck displaying Islam’s image.
After moving to the United States, Islam immersed himself in a career with the largest police department in the country. He viewed policing as a blanket of comfort and protection for the community, according to Police Commissioner Tisch. Starting as a school safety agent, before transitioning to patrol officer just under four years ago, he was posthumously elevated to the rank of detective.
Mayor Eric Adams highlighted Islam’s resolve to wear the police uniform and protect his fellow New Yorkers, seeing it as symbolic of the values of the city and nation they strive to uphold. In Washington, the White House extended its sympathies to the slain officer’s family, acknowledging the supreme sacrifice he made for the safety of others.
Imam Zakir Ahmed, like others who spoke at the service, emphasized Islam’s immigrant journey and Muslim faith, speaking against the stereotyping he and others like him often face. He urged America to acknowledge the dignity that Officer Islam fought to protect.
Islam, described by colleagues as humble and reliable, supported family members in both Bangladesh and the Bronx. Deputy Inspector Muhammad Ashraf remembered him as someone who deeply understood the importance of protecting the city that gave him a fresh start, offering selflessly in return.
Following the service, the streets were filled with people engaged in prayer, many of them Muslim officers, with colleagues standing at attention. As a mark of respect, police officers saluted Islam’s flag-draped casket as it was placed into a hearse to be transported for a burial in New Jersey.
In addition to Islam, New Yorkers mourned investment firm executive Wesley LePatner, a mother of two, whose funeral was held on the same day. She was among those killed in the gunman’s rampage at the building’s lobby.
Funeral services were also held for another victim, Julia Hyman, while arrangements for a fourth victim, Aland Etienne, remain pending.
The attacks were carried out by Shane Tamura, a man grappling with mental health issues, who had recently worked in a Las Vegas casino. Police discovered hundreds of rounds of ammunition in his vehicle, along with numerous shell casings at the crime scene.
Tamura, reportedly suffering from a condition linked to sports-related injuries, had targeted the NFL’s office but ended up on the wrong floor. Governor Kathy Hochul remarked on Islam’s brave actions that tragic day, noting he potentially saved the lives of others through his selfless stand in the face of danger.