Wife of slain Bangladeshi-American policeman Didarul gives birth

The wife of Didarul Islam, the Bangladeshi-American policeman shot dead in Manhattan last month, has given birth to a son, according to local media.

Arham is the third son of Didarul and Jamila Islam, New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said in a statement on Monday afternoon, NBC News reports.

"Out of tragedy, a new life has entered this world. Arham joins his two big brothers, Ahyan and Azhaan. Together, they will carry forward their father’s legacy of service and courage,” Tisch was quoted as saying.

New York Mayor Eric Adams said he was with the family on Sunday as Jamila was in labour.

"I know how special Arham's birth is for this family that is still dealing with heartbreak after losing their hero," Adams said on X. "Our entire city stands with them and is here to support them."

On Jul 28, 36-year-old Didarul was working in the lobby of a Manhattan skyscraper when 27-year-old Shane Tamura walked in and immediately opened fire with a semiautomatic rifle, police say.

After the shooting, Commissioner Tisch said that he was working at the building with the New York Police Department’s permission under a programme that allows officers to provide security off-duty while in uniform.

Didarul was born in Bangladesh, but moved to the US as a child. His family say his dream was to join the NYPD.

"He always wanted to be a police officer to serve his community, to serve the people around him, and set a better example for his kids," Zamilur Rahman, Didarul's cousin, told CBS News New York.

According to Mayor Adams, Didarul was the first Bangladeshi-born NYPD officer killed in the line of duty.

Tamura also shot a security guard and two civilians in the building before fatally shooting himself, authorities said.

He had driven cross-country before the attack and was trying to target the headquarters of the National Football League (NFL), offices in the building, but entered the wrong set of elevators and never made it to the offices.

Officials familiar with the matter told NBC News that the shooter had played football in high school and left a note at the scene saying he wanted his brain studied for chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE.

The neurodegenerative disorder associated with head injuries can change behaviour and cognition.

Hundreds of NFL players have been diagnosed with CTE after their deaths. Tamura never played in the NFL but had a “documented mental health history”, according to Las Vegas police.

Muhammad Mainul Islam, who identified himself as Didarul’s cousin, told NBC News that he was dedicated to providing for his family and raising his children.

“When he had time, and especially his off days, he went to the mosque with his two kids,” he said.

Patrick Hendry, president of the Police Benevolent Association, said after the attack: “He went out every single day to provide for his family, whether it was overtime or whatever he had to do."

Tisch said in her statement on Monday that the newborn, his mother, and his brothers would “forever be part of the NYPD family.”