Family of Shooting Victim to Sue City for $65 Million
The family of Julia Hyman, a young real estate worker who tragically lost her life in a midtown shooting last year, is planning to sue the city, seeking $65 million. They assert that police failed significantly in preventing the attack by a gunman who entered 345 Park Avenue.
Hyman, a 27-year-old graduate from Cornell University, is survived by her parents and sister. They were shown security camera footage that reportedly reveals critical moments during the NYPD’s investigation into the events. The gunman, Didarul Islam, has been described in court documents as “responsible” for her untimely death.
In a video from July 28, 2025, the footage supposedly illustrates a police officer on paid duty at the building “standing at a lobby window in clear view” of the shooter as he approached.
A petition filed in Manhattan Supreme Court claims that Islam, a 36-year-old Bangladeshi immigrant, “failed to identify a clear and imminent security threat and took no action to prevent or mitigate that threat.”
Shane Tamura, the gunman, arrived in New York City from Las Vegas just days prior, apparently targeting the NFL. He openly carried an M4-style rifle as he crossed the plaza toward the building.
Allegations suggest that Islam, who was stationed nearby, “did not notice the shooter, took no action, and offered no resistance.” The court documents emphasize that “no action by Detective Islam prevented, detected, obstructed, or delayed the shooter” as he made his way into the lobby.
Islam tragically became the shooter’s first victim upon entering the building, later succumbing to his injuries in the hospital. The detectives’ union characterized his death as an “ambush.”
Previous legal action was taken by Islam’s family against Rudin Management, which runs the building, over inadequate security measures. However, the Hyman family insists that the NYPD and Islam are accountable for Julia’s death.
According to the family, viewing the footage made it evident that the police department may indeed share responsibility for Islam’s negligence during the incident.
Investigators believe that Tamura’s ultimate goal was to reach the NFL office, but he mistakenly accessed the wrong elevator and ended up on the 33rd floor, where he fatally shot Hyman, among others. Court documents note that she experienced fear before being shot and suffered immensely afterward.
Tamura killed other victims, including Wesley Lepatner, 43, the CEO of Blackstone Real Estate Investment Fund, and security guard Alain Etienne, 46.
The city recently honored Detective Islam posthumously with the NYPD’s Medal of Honor. His widow accepted the award while holding their baby.
The Hyman family argues that since Islam was functioning as a private security guard through the NYPD, the city should assume full responsibility for his actions. They previously signed a non-disclosure agreement to access the troubling video footage.
The family has since enlisted the services of prominent attorney Alex Spiro to pursue their claim against Rudin. Attempts to reach comments from city officials or the family’s attorney have gone unanswered.
