A gunman is believed to be dead following a shooting that injured one New York Police Department (NYPD) officer and at least two civilians near a corporate office building in midtown Manhattan on Monday evening. Multiple law enforcement sources have confirmed the details to CNN, indicating the gravity of the situation.
According to reports, a man armed with a long rifle was seen entering the building, escalating fears and prompting a swift response from law enforcement. One civilian is currently in critical condition, while another civilian and the NYPD officer, who sustained a gunshot wound to the back, are expected to survive, as per updates from a law enforcement official.
The NYPD bomb squad has been dispatched to the scene, indicating the seriousness of the incident. The injured officer is from a Bronx precinct and was stationed near the building when the shooting occurred. In an effort to ensure public safety, the FBI has also responded to the scene to provide additional support as it remains an active crime scene.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams took to social media platform X to confirm the ongoing situation, stating, “there is an active shooter investigation taking place in Midtown right now.” He urged individuals in the vicinity to take necessary safety precautions and to avoid going outside if they are near Park Avenue and East 51st Street.
In a related post on X, Governor Kathy Hochul expressed her awareness of the shooting and advised the public to steer clear of the area. Eyewitnesses reported seeing law enforcement officers at the scene exercising caution and taking cover as the situation unfolded.
Video footage captured by a CNN field team on-site shows a significant law enforcement presence surrounding the building. The police department has indicated that the scene is still “very active,” with officers diligently working to resolve the situation.
The incident took place at a 634-foot skyscraper located at 345 Park Avenue, which houses corporate offices for prominent organizations, including the National Football League and Blackstone. This building occupies an entire city block and is one of 41 buildings in New York City with its own zip code.
CNN is actively seeking further information from the NYPD regarding this serious incident, and updates will be provided as more details become available. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges of ensuring public safety in urban environments.
