Local officials and authorities celebrated Officer Islam Monday night. "He died as he lived - a hero," Ms Tisch said. An officer with the department for three years, Officer Islam was an immigrant from Bangladesh. He and his wife have two children, and his wife is currently pregnant with their third child. "He was doing the job that we asked him to do," Ms Tisch said. "He made the ultimate sacrifice." The incident brought parts of Midtown Manhattan and public transportation to a halt. A BBC journalist at the scene reported seeing scores of police vehicles and at least one person with a bloodied chest being taken away on a stretcher. Bystanders reported hearing what sounded like gunshots and police told those in the area, including the BBC journalist, to shelter in nearby buildings.