Five dead in midtown Manhattan Skyscraper shooting

NEW YORK: A deadly shooting at a Midtown Manhattan skyscraper left five people dead, including a police officer, before the gunman took his own life, officials confirmed.

The attacker, identified as a lone shooter, opened fire inside 345 Park Avenue—home to several high-profile offices, including Blackstone, the NFL headquarters, KPMG, the Irish consulate, and a Bank of America branch.

Authorities said the gunman, armed with an M4 rifle, exited a black BMW before entering the building. Surveillance footage shows him immediately firing at an NYPD officer in the lobby, then shooting a woman taking cover behind a pillar. He continued firing as he moved through the lobby and shot a security guard hiding behind a desk.

The gunman then called an elevator. A woman exited, and he let her pass unharmed. He went up to the 33rd floor, shooting randomly and killing one more person before fatally shooting himself in the chest.

The officer who lost his life was identified as Didarul Islam. NYPD officials said he was married with two sons, and his wife is expecting their third child. The department paid tribute on X (formerly Twitter), saying:

“He was protecting New Yorkers from danger when his life was tragically cut short. We will forever honour his legacy.”

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Emergency services responded swiftly after the call came in around 6:30pm local time. NYPD urged the public to avoid East 52nd Street between Park and Lexington Avenues as they secured the area.

FBI agents also responded, with Deputy Director Dan Bongino confirming the agency’s involvement.

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch later confirmed the shooter had been “neutralized” and the scene contained. Medication prescribed to the suspect was found in the BMW he had driven.

New York Mayor Eric Adams urged residents to remain indoors during the incident, writing on X:

“Please take safety precautions if you are in the vicinity.”

The Fire Department confirmed it had received a call about a shooting victim at the address and emergency crews were deployed immediately.