Multiple dead in shooting at New York office building

A shooter opened fire in a Manhattan office building on Monday, resulting in the deaths of at least five individuals, one of whom was an off-duty police officer from New York City, according to sources cited by AP. The assailant, identified as Shane Tamura from Nevada, reportedly took his own life.

Police and Emergency Vehicle in street of Midtown Manhattan office Building © AFP

A tragic shooting occurred on Monday at a midtown Manhattan office building, resulting in the deaths of at least five individuals, including an off-duty police officer from New York City, according to sources cited by The Associated Press. The suspected shooter has been named as Shane Tamura from Nevada, with reports indicating he took his own life at the scene. Authorities discovered identification on Tamura's body, which included a concealed carry permit issued in Las Vegas. Those providing information about the situation requested anonymity as they were not authorized to comment on the active investigation.

The Fire Department of New York responded to an emergency call at the Park Avenue location around 6:30 p.m. regarding a shooting incident. This building is home to several prestigious financial firms and the National Football League. Eyewitness Jessica Chen recounted the terrifying experience to ABC News, stating that she was in a presentation with a group on the second floor when she suddenly heard a series of rapid gunshots from the first floor. In a panic, she and others sought refuge in a conference room, barricading the door with tables.

"We were honestly really, really scared," she shared, noting that she quickly texted her parents to express her love for them. Mayor Eric Adams confirmed that several individuals were injured and shared a video on social media advising anyone still inside the office building to stay put while police conducted a thorough search of each floor. The Democrat stated he would be heading to the hospital to meet with the families of those affected. Local news footage captured scenes of people evacuating the office building with their hands raised. The building houses offices for both Blackstone and the Irish consulate.

Witnesses reported that finance workers from a nearby office were at a corner restaurant picking up dinner when they heard a loud noise and saw people fleeing. “It was pure chaos,” said Anna Smith, as she and her colleagues rushed back to their office. They stayed inside for about two hours before receiving the go-ahead to exit. The site of the shooting is situated in a bustling area of midtown, just a short walk north of Grand Central Terminal and a block east of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The city’s emergency management system issued warnings about potential traffic delays, road closures, and disruptions to public transport in the vicinity. As of late July, New York City is on track to record its lowest number of murders and gun-related injuries in recent decades.