A friend of the late NYPD officer Didarul Islam’s wife read a heartfelt message from her during his funeral on Thursday, where Islam was posthumously promoted in a ceremony attended by several dignitaries. 

Numerous New York City police officers lined the streets to pay their respects to their colleague, who was fatally shot by a gunman in a Midtown Manhattan office building earlier this week.

Officer Islam was among the four individuals killed inside the building on Monday evening. The 36-year-old immigrant from Bangladesh was a father of two, and his wife is expecting their third child. 

“Though my heart is broken, I find comfort knowing that his sacrifice may have saved others in that lobby,” the wife’s message, read aloud, said. 

At the time of his death, Islam was off duty and working as a security guard at the building. The office space included Blackstone, an investment firm, and the NFL headquarters, among other businesses. 

Islam began his career as a school safety agent before joining the force as a patrol officer less than four years ago. He was stationed at a Bronx precinct and lived there with his wife and two sons.

Mayor Eric Adams, himself a former NYPD officer, met with Islam’s family and took part in the dignified transfer ceremony. Adams praised Islam, stating, “He represents the essence of our city. He’s a genuine New Yorker, capable of wearing the uniform with pride and integrity.”

New York Police officers gather outside the Parkchester Jame Masjid mosque for the funeral of officer Didular Islam, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul also attended the funeral. 

Police have identified the gunman as 27-year-old Shane Tamura. Tamura, a Las Vegas resident with a history of mental health issues, began shooting in the lobby before moving to another floor and later turning the gun on himself.