A New York City police officer and three others have been killed after a gunman entered a Midtown office building and opened fire, according to reports.
The gunman reportedly opened fire inside a Manhattan skyscraper that’s home to the offices of the NFL and asset manager Blackstone on Monday and then took his own life.
“At this time, the scene has been contained and the lone shooter has been neutralized,” New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch wrote on X of the gunman.
There are reports at least two others were injured in the shooting, but officials have not disclosed the number of those injured on Monday or their condition.
Law enforcement shared with CNN a photo of the man they believe to be the gunman walking into the Midtown building, according to its sources. The man appears to be wearing dark sunglasses and a dark-colored jacket. He also seems to be carrying a large gun. The photo has yet to be shared by public officials.
The gunman first exchanged fire with an NYPD officer in the building’s lobby, before moving up to the 33rd floor, according to a law enforcement official who spoke to CNN.
The New York Post reported the gunman barricaded himself on the 33rd floor and was found dead with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, citing police sources.
The officer who was shot and killed was an off-duty policeman working security in the building, CNN and the New York Post report.
The Independent has contacted the NYPD, the New York City Mayor’s office, the New York Governor’s office and the New York City Fire Department for more information.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced on X that an “active shooter investigation” was underway.
At least six people overall were shot, FOX 5 New York reports, citing police sources.
Photos circulating in local media appeared to show a man captured on security video carrying a military-style rifle walking towards the building.
The New York City Police Department earlier warned of “police activity” at the Midtown office tower and urged the public to stay away.
The shooting occurred in the lobby of the building, NBC New York reports.
Large numbers of police were seen forming a perimeter around the building at 345 Park Avenue, and officers have also entered the office tower. The FBI is assisting with the response to the shooting.
By around 7 p.m. local time, people were seen walking out of the building in small groups with their hands raised. Employees working in the building wrote on Microsoft Teams they had locked themselves in their offices and hid from the gunman.
New York City subways are temporarily skipping the Lexington Avenue / 53rd Street station in both directions as the law enforcement operation continues.
New York officials condemned the shooting.
“Deeply disturbed by the horrific shooting in Midtown Manhattan,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York wrote on X. “Praying hard for the brave NYPD officer impacted and all other victims of this tragedy. May God watch over our city during this challenging moment.”
“Horrified by the shooting in Midtown,” added former New York governor and New York City mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo. “I’m grateful for the courage of our NYPD and first responders, and my prayers are with the victims and their families.”
“I’m heartbroken to learn of the horrific shooting in Midtown and I am holding the victims, their families, and the NYPD officer in critical condition in my thoughts,” wrote fellow mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. “Grateful for all of our first responders on the ground.”
This is a breaking news story and will be updated with new information.
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