On Tuesday, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell awarded scholarships to the children of Didarul Islam, a heroic NYPD officer who tragically lost his life in a shooting incident at a high-rise in midtown Manhattan.
“Detective Islam was an essential part of our community,” Goodell remarked during a ceremony at the 47th Precinct, where Islam worked. He was killed while on duty as a security guard at 345 Park Avenue, the building that also hosts NFL headquarters.
Goodell shared, “He was not just a colleague but a friend to many of us. It’s truly an honor to stand with his family today. I can tell how much this moment means to them,” he stated.
“We also need to recognize the significant impact he had on countless lives. This is what true first responders exemplify—they run toward danger and provide help without hesitation.”
The scholarships, provided by Folds of Honor—a nonprofit supporting families of fallen police personnel—will aid in covering educational expenses for Islam’s children: five-year-old Azkhaan, seven-year-old Ayan, and his infant son, Arham.
Kamrul Hussan, Islam’s brother-in-law, attended the ceremony and reflected on the ongoing pain the family has faced since a gunman opened fire in the building on July 28, killing multiple individuals, including Islam.
“Thank you so much. It’s heartwarming to know you all stand with us, the family. We’ve faced immense challenges,” Hussan expressed, highlighting the struggles that Muslim families often endure.
“Islam placed a high value on education, and this scholarship will significantly assist our family,” he continued.
“He always thought that good education is crucial for our children. Now, with the NFL’s support, we can breathe a bit easier regarding their educational future. This means so much to us.”
After the ceremony, young Azkhaan revealed his aspirations to join the military, saying, “I want to be a police officer, and when I grow up, I can’t wait to be a detective!”
Details About the Incident
- Reports of gunfire at 345 Park Avenue started around 6:28 p.m.
- The shooter, Shane Tamra, was seen arriving in a black BMW with an M4 rifle.
- He entered the lobby and fatally shot Detective Islam.
- Tamra also murdered a woman hiding in the lobby and continued shooting, killing another security guard.
- Another individual was injured during the shooting but is in serious, stable condition.
- After letting one woman escape unharmed, Tamra moved to the 33rd floor, where he continued to fire.
- He shot another woman there before taking his own life.
- The exact duration of the chaos is unclear. Police stated that the scene was secured shortly after.
When asked how much he missed his father, Azkhaan replied, “100 percent.”
Originally from Bangladesh, Islam had been part of the NYPD for four years before his untimely death.
Importantly, the shooter intended to wreak havoc at the NFL headquarters. In addition to Islam, he claimed the lives of security guard Alland Etienne, Blackstone executive Wesley Lepatner, and Rudin Management employee Julia Hyman.
The scholarship event occurred just a day after the NYPD honored 194 officers for their commendable responses to the tragic Park Avenue shooting.
