Bangladeshi immigrant NYPD officer Didarul Islam killed in Manhattan mass shooting
Despite Shooter Shane Tamura being a U.S.-born non-Muslim, Islamophobes blame immigrants, Muslims
New York City: In one of the deadliest mass shootings in New York City in nearly 25 years, four people were killed when a gunman opened fire inside a Manhattan office building Monday evening. Among the victims was 36-year-old NYPD officer Didarul Islam, a Bangladeshi immigrant and father of two, who is now being remembered as a hero by city officials and his community.
According to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, the suspect, identified as Shane Devon Tamura, a 27-year-old Nevada resident with a documented mental health history, entered the lobby of 345 Park Avenue just after business hours and began shooting with an M4-style rifle. After killing Officer Islam and others on multiple floors of the building, Tamura ultimately died by suicide.
Police recovered a note from the scene in which Tamura expressed anger over his mental health struggles, suggesting a possible link to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) from his time playing football. Authorities believe this may explain why Tamura appeared to target the building, which houses the NFL’s headquarters among other major firms.
Officer Islam, who was working an off-duty security job at the time, was the first person shot. Eyewitnesses say he tried to respond to the threat before being fatally struck. He leaves behind a pregnant wife, two sons, and elderly parents. According to reports, his father suffered a stroke upon hearing the tragic news.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams and NYPD colleagues have publicly praised Officer Islam’s bravery. “He died doing what he believed in — serving his community,” said a senior police official. Officer Islam had joined the force three and a half years ago after leaving a job as a school security guard. Friends and family recall that he took great pride in wearing the NYPD badge as a symbol of dedication and sacrifice.
Community leaders and civil rights advocates have pointed out that while Islam’s heroism was clear, right-wing figures quickly resorted to Islamophobic rhetoric in the immediate aftermath of the attack, despite the fact that the shooter was a U.S.-born non-Muslim man. Commentator Wajahat Ali, writing in Zeteo, condemned far-right influencers like Laura Loomer and Charlie Kirk for using the tragedy to spread hate against immigrants and Muslims.
“Even facts can’t deter Loomer’s relentless crusade to demonize and annihilate Muslims,” Ali wrote. “Officer Islam died protecting his neighbors. That’s his legacy. Not even their hate can erase that.”
Ali also drew parallels to Mohammad Salman Hamdani, a 23-year-old Muslim NYPD cadet who was vilified in the media after 9/11, only to be later recognized as a hero who died trying to save lives during the terror attack.
The shooting has reignited debates around mental health, gun violence, and racialized narratives in media and politics. Yet amid the noise, Officer Islam’s story stands out, a Muslim immigrant who gave his life in service of a city that too often overlooks the sacrifices of its most marginalized residents.
As New York mourns, tributes continue to pour in for Officer Islam from across the country. From local mosques to fellow officers, one message is clear: he died a hero, and his legacy will not be forgotten.
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Experience comes when you play bigger teams in bilateral series: Rashid Khan
Chennai (PTI): Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called for more bilateral series against stronger cricketing nations after his team signed off from the T20 World Cup on a high, defeating Canada in their final group match here on Thursday.
Afghanistan played some exhilarating cricket, going down to South Africa in a gripping second Super Over after the scores were tied, a humdinger that provided one of the early thrills of the World Cup.
However, the spin-bowling stalwart said Afghanistan could make significant strides if they get regular opportunities to compete against stronger cricketing nations.
"Couple of areas to improve, with the batting, the middle order got a bit stuck against the big teams, and then with the bowling the death overs. That comes when you play the bigger teams in bilateral series," said Rashid after his team defeat Canada by 82 runs, with him returning excellent figures of 2 for 19.
The stalwart said the side had arrived well prepared for the tournament and produced some breathtaking cricket, but admitted the narrow defeat to South Africa proved costly and remained a painful setback.
"We were well-prepared (for the tournament), we played some unbelievable cricket. The game against South Africa, that really hurt everyone. We had to win one of those (first two) games and see how the tournament unfolded. We'll take some positive things from this World Cup and look forward," he said.
With head coach Jonathan Trott set to part ways with the team, Rashid described the departure as an "emotional" moment for the side.
"I think we had some wonderful times with him. Where we are now, he played a main role. It's emotional to see him leave us, but that's how life is. We wish him all the best and somewhere down the line we see him again."
Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, said it was satisfying to finally register a substantial score after two below-par outings.
"I enjoyed it, didn't play better cricket in first two innings, which I expect. Wanted to back my skills, really enjoyed it. Pressure was there, it's there all the time. I want to put myself in pressure situations and enjoy it," said Zadran.
"Wanted to play positive cricket, rotate strike and punish bad ball, create partnerships and this is what I have done."
