The widow of NYPD Officer Didarul Islam, who died after injuries sustained in the July Park Avenue mass shooting, has welcomed a baby boy. Jamila Akhter gave birth at Mount Sinai Hospital, according to remarks made by Police Commissioner Eric Adams at a Monday press conference.
Adams said, “On a happier note, we learned that Officer Islam’s wife gave birth to a young, beautiful baby boy.” He added that he visited the hospital to speak with family members as the mother was in labor, and that the family is now celebrating a new life.
Islam and Akhter are already parents to two boys, Ahyan, 7, and Azhaan, 5. The police commissioner also noted the broader context of the Park Avenue attack, which left four people dead and a fifth in critical condition. The shooter, Shane Devon Tamura, 27, of Las Vegas, died by a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Islam, 36, was an immigrant from Bangladesh and had served with the NYPD for about three and a half years. Adams praised him for saving lives and protecting New Yorkers, describing him as a person of faith and a true-blue New Yorker who loved the city.
Friends quoted by The New York Times portrayed Islam as a mentor to young Bangladeshi men and a pillar in his community. Marjanul Karim, a friend, recalled Islam’s path from security guard at a school to a police officer, explaining that Islam wanted to leave behind a legacy for his family.
The loss of Officer Islam has been deeply felt in the Bronx neighborhood he called home, where community members and colleagues have spoken about his dedication and impact. While the city mourns, the birth of his child offers a hopeful moment for his family and supporters.
Additional context and support for the Islam family remain ongoing as they navigate this period of grief alongside the arrival of a new family member.