By now, I’m sure you have heard about Shane Devon Tamura, a 27-year-old Nevada resident wearing body armor and carrying an M4 assault rifle, who shot and killed four people, including an off-duty police officer in a Midtown Manhattan office building, on Monday evening before killing himself. He entered the lobby of the Midtown tower alone and immediately opened fire on an NYPD officer and sprayed the lobby with bullets. The deceased included NYPD officer Didarul Islam of the 47th Precinct in the Bronx, who came to the U.S. from Bangladesh.
Several local elected officials have issued statements on the Midtown Manhattan Shooting.
NYS Senator Shelley B. Mayer of the District 37 that covers a swath of Westchester County, including some or all of Bedford, Eastchester, Harrison, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, New Rochelle, North Castle, Port Chester, Rye, Rye Brook, White Plains, and Yonkers issued the following statement.
“I am deeply saddened by yesterday’s fatal shooting in Manhattan that took the lives of four people, including NYPD officer Didarul Islam, and severely injured another, before ending with the gunman taking his own life. Officer Islam was a hero, and I am deeply grieved by his loss. My heartfelt condolences go out to all the families and loved ones of the victims, and to everyone impacted by this senseless act of violence. I extend my sincere appreciation to the NYPD and all the first responders for their swift action. To those grieving today, please know that you are not alone. I am with you and will continue to support efforts to heal, protect, and strengthen our communities in the wake of this tragedy,” Sen. Mayer shared in a statement to Black Westchester.
“We will always remember the sacrifice Officer Islam, a husband, a son, and father, made for all of us,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said on Tuesday. “To the other victims — people just trying to make a living, do their jobs — our hearts are broken, and we, too, grieve with your families.”
Congressman George Latimer (Congressional District 16 – Southern Westchester and Northern Bronx) also issued the following statement: “Last night, a horrible shooting took place in Midtown Manhattan, with four innocent people killed, including a brave NYPD officer,” Latimer wrote. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of NYPD Officer Didarul Islam and the other victims.”
Rep. Ritchie Torres of the Bronx (District 15) said Monday’s shooting demonstrated how New York “has to live with the consequences of the lax gun laws from other states. It’s unfair. It feels like we’ve been stripped of control of our own destiny,” he said, arguing it is time for federal gun reforms.
Congressman Mike Lawler (District 17- includes all or parts of Rockland, Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess counties) expressed condolences on social media. “I’m devastated by the senseless killing of an NYPD officer and innocent civilians in Midtown,” he wrote. “Praying for their families and loved ones.”
Westchester County District Attorney, Susan Cacace, took to social media to offer a statement as well, “On behalf of everyone at the Office, DA Cacace wishes to express her condolences to the family of Officer Islam and to our NYPD colleagues, who are mourning the loss of a true hero and dedicated public servant,” the post read. Her post closed with, “the families of the three civilians who were killed remain in our thoughts as we all begin to process this senseless tragedy.”
“Tonight, my heart goes out to the six victims of the tragic shooting in Manhattan. It’s deeply saddening to know that among those affected were two brave members of the NYPD, and we must mourn the loss of them all. Events like this are a stark reminder of the urgent need for change in our society. We must come together to foster a safer and more compassionate world. Please keep these victims and their families close in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time,” Westchester County Legislator James Nolan (District 15 – Yonkers, Bronxville, Eastchester) posted on social media.
Legislator Catherine Parker (District 7 – Mamaroneck, Rye, Larchmont, part of New Rochelle, part of Harrison) feels that more than statements need to be made by elected officials; she suggests they should urge Congress to pass an assault weapons ban in the slain officer’s name.
“To my Republican friends, a Police Officer’s life is worth more than your thoughts and prayers. Tell Congress to pass the Didarul Islam Assault Weapons Ban in his honor and before his third child is born. That would be worthy of his life and service,” she shared on Facebook, Tuesday.
Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano’s statement on the killing of an off-duty NYPD officer and the deaths of two other innocent people.
Assemblyman Matt Slater, who represents Putnam County, also mourned the loss of Officer Islam, “Yesterday’s horrific shooting claimed the life of hero Police Officer Didarul Islam among the victims. He leaves behind a young family with his third child due any day,” he wrote.
“We are deeply saddened to learn that NYPD Officer Didarul Islam, who was fatally shot in yesterday’s incident, was a member of our beloved Parkchester community. He was not only a public servant, but a neighbor – someone who dedicated his life to protecting others and made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. This act of violence has shaken families and communities across our city. As the investigation continues, my thoughts are with all those affected- the families grieving, the loved ones seeking answers, and everyone feeling the weight of this tragedy,” New York City Council Majority Leader Amanda Farías shared in a statement on Tuesday.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul recalled her conversation with the widow of New York Police Officer Didarul Islam, who is expecting her third child, “I spoke to the young widow, a mother of two, expecting her third child. I tried to convey, again, that sense of compassion all of us as human beings feel,” Hochul said during a vigil for the victims of the mass shooting. “I said, ‘Is there anything we can do for you?’ And in her broken English, she just said: ‘Pray for us.’”
