A man with an assault rifle opened fire in broad daylight in the middle of New York City, killing a police officer and at least four others, according to law enforcement sources. Several more were injured.
The shooter was seen wearing a sport coat and button-down shirt, holding a large rifle, just outside a Midtown office building that houses Blackstone and the NFL. The shooting happened Monday around 6:30 p.m., with roughly 30 people inside a room on the 33rd floor.
Police say the suspect fired the weapon while using a silencer. Moments later, he was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound on the same floor.
Sources told the New York Post that at least five people are dead, including an NYPD officer. One civilian and several others remain injured.
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The NYPD is urging people to avoid East 52nd Street between Park and Lexington as they continue to investigate and evacuate the Blackstone building.
Video footage posted online shows heavily armed officers entering 365 Park Avenue with guns drawn. Another clip from Fox 5 captured several officers carrying a wounded person, while others helped someone lying on the ground.
Two other people—a man and a woman—were taken into custody at the scene.
The man reportedly shouted, “Free Palestine, I’m not the active shooter.” The woman had a visible cut on her head. Officials have not said why they were arrested.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said federal agents are now part of the response.
Governor Kathy Hochul confirmed she had been briefed on the attack. Mayor Eric Adams posted a warning to the public:
“Take proper safety precautions if you are in the vicinity and do not go outside if you are near Park Avenue and East 51st Street.”
The motive for the shooting remains unknown. Investigators are still combing through the building and reviewing footage. The area around Park Avenue remains blocked off with a heavy police presence.
Featured image via Screengrab
