10 shot at Empire State Building, authorities say
August 24, 2012
NEW YORK — At least 10 people were shot Friday in front of the Empire State Building, according to the New York Office of Emergency Management.
Nine of the 10 people shot or injured at the scene were the result of police action, New York Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said Saturday.
The gunman was shot and killed by police, the New York Police Department reported.
Authorities converged on the building around 9 a.m. after reports of gunfire.
Police have closed several streets around 5th Avenue and 34th Street in Manhattan.
New York resident Max Kaplan, 22, said he heard at least nine gunshots. He said several ambulances have arrived at the scene.
“We’re all very shaken up at the office,” he said.
The Empire State Building is one of the most famous skyscrapers in the world, and one of New York City’s best-known tourist attractions.
Each year, about 4 million people visit the building’s two observation decks. At more than 1,453 feet tall, the landmark building reaches more than a quarter-mile into the sky.