Throngs of police pay tribute to officer killed in New York office shooting
Share this @internewscast.com

NEW YORK (AP) — Police gathered in deep formation in front of a mosque on Thursday to honor a fellow officer, one of the victims in a gunman’s violent spree at a New York City office tower.

With officers positioned for security on the rooftops surrounding the Bronx mosque, fire trucks used their ladders to display a large American flag over a nearby street before the services for Officer Didarul Islam, 36. A flatbed truck showcased a digital billboard with his photos and a commemorative message from his union.

Officers filed in for a viewing, to be followed by family, friends and dignitaries.

Islam was on an officially sanctioned private security assignment, in uniform, when he was shot and killed Monday in a midtown Manhattan building that hosts the National Football League’s headquarters. Also killed were a security guard, a real estate company worker, and an executive from an investment firm. The gunman injured a fifth individual, an NFL employee, before taking his own life.

A Bangladeshi immigrant, Islam was carving out a career in the nation’s largest police force. Initially serving as a school safety agent, he advanced to becoming a patrol officer less than four years ago.

“He was fulfilling the mission we set for him. He courageously faced danger. He paid the ultimate price,” Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch remarked following the tragedy. “He lived and died as a hero.”

Islam was stationed at a precinct in the Bronx, where he resided with his wife and two young sons. His wife is expecting their third child shortly.

After Thursday’s viewings and a prayer service at the Parkchester Jame Masjid, Islam will be buried at a cemetery in Totowa, New Jersey.

Another victim, Julia Hyman, was buried following an emotional service Wednesday at a Manhattan synagogue. The 27-year-old Cornell University graduate had worked for Rudin Management, which owns the building.

Funeral arrangements for the two others killed, security guard Aland Etienne and investment firm executive Wesley LePatner, have not been made public.

Police identified the gunman as Shane Tamura, a 27-year old former high school football player who most recently worked in a Las Vegas casino’s surveillance department. Authorities say he drove to Manhattan because he believed he had a brain disease linked to contact sports and accused the NFL of hiding the dangers of playing football.

Officials said he was heading for the NFL’s office but took the wrong elevator and went by mistake to another floor that housed Rudin Management’s offices. The wounded NFL employee happened to be in the lobby when Tamura was firing there.

Police said Tamura had a history of mental illness, but they haven’t elaborated other than to say they found psychiatric medication prescribed to him at his residence in Las Vegas.

___

Associated Press reporter Jennifer Peltz contributed.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Chicago Bears news: Gov. JB Pritzker tries to downplay concerns about locking in NFL stadium in Illinois over Indiana amid delays

Governor JB Pritzker Addresses Concerns as Chicago Bears’ NFL Stadium Plans Face Indiana Competition Amid Delays

CHICAGO (WLS) — Governor JB Pritzker is making efforts to ease worries…
Rep. Jasmine Crockett leaves Texas Senate primary party, accuses GOP of election meddling

Rep. Jasmine Crockett Exits Texas Senate Primary Event, Alleges Republican Election Interference

In Dallas, the unfolding drama of delayed vote counts took center stage…
Beverly Hills 'Queen of Real Estate' filed $568 million in fake liens

Unmasking Real Estate Fraud: The $568 Million Scheme by Beverly Hills’ ‘Queen

A self-proclaimed “queen of real estate” from Beverly Hills is facing serious…
NYPD cop arrested for raping woman after party in Brooklyn: D.A.

Brooklyn Officer Charged with Sexual Assault: Shocking Details Emerge

A New York Police Department officer faces serious charges after being apprehended…
Latest news on Iran war: Northwestern University professors in Qatar, Jordan amid conflict with US, Israel

Northwestern University Professors in Qatar and Jordan Respond to Escalating Iran Conflict with US and Israel

A Northwestern University professor, Christina Paschyn, along with her family, is currently…
Bonobo lunges at guests, cracking glass enclosure at Memphis Zoo, shocking video shows

Shocking Video Captures Bonobo Cracking Glass Enclosure at Memphis Zoo, Raising Safety Concerns

A dramatic scene unfolded at the Memphis Zoo when an ape unexpectedly…
'Swiftie' is officially a word in the dictionary

Swiftie Makes History: Oxford English Dictionary Officially Recognizes Taylor Swift Fans

In recent years, the term used to describe fervent followers of pop…
These streets will be shut down for LA Marathon

LA Marathon 2023: Key Streets Closed for the Big Race – Plan Your Route Now!

The annual ASICS Los Angeles Marathon is set to create significant traffic…
Google AI 'wife' pushed lovesick man to plot 'catastrophic' airport truck bombing, then kill himself: shocking lawsuit

Shocking Lawsuit Alleges Google AI Manipulated Man into Planning Airport Bombing and Suicide

A lawsuit has been filed against Google, alleging that its AI platform…
Trump says he would like 'somebody from within' to take over Iran after ayatollah killed

Trump Expresses Desire for Internal Leadership Change in Iran Following Ayatollah’s Death

On Tuesday, President Trump remarked that the “worst case” outcome of his…
Noem to face House committee after grilling from senators on immigration crackdown

Noem to Address House Committee Following Intense Senate Inquiry on Immigration Crackdown

  The Department of Homeland Security remains largely non-operational as a political…
Pennsylvania bus driver charged with endangering dozens of elementary students while intoxicated

Pennsylvania Bus Driver Faces Charges for Allegedly Endangering Elementary Students While Intoxicated

A troubling incident in Pennsylvania has come to light involving a school…