Manhattan, NY — A horrifying scene unfolded in Midtown Manhattan on Monday afternoon as a gunman armed with an assault rifle and a silencer opened fire in broad daylight, injuring at least six people, including a New York Police Department (NYPD) officer who is currently in critical condition.
The violent attack occurred around midday inside a high-rise building on East 52nd Street between Park and Lexington Avenues, an area that houses prominent offices including Blackstone Group and the National Football League (NFL).
Gunman Entered Wearing a Sport Coat, Armed with Rifle
Photos and eyewitness reports reveal chilling images of the suspect — a man in a sport coat, appearing calm but heavily armed with a rifle equipped with a silencer — walking casually into the building moments before gunfire erupted.
According to police sources, the gunman made his way to the 33rd floor, where he opened fire in a conference room filled with approximately 30 people. It is believed the shooter may have had a targeted motive, though authorities have not yet confirmed whether the attack was random or directed.
Chaos quickly unfolded as panicked employees attempted to flee the building or shelter in place. Emergency alerts were issued citywide, and a large law enforcement presence swarmed the Midtown area.
Shooter Dies by Suicide on the 33rd Floor
Authorities have confirmed that the suspect died by suicide shortly after the shooting, inside the same room where he opened fire. SWAT teams located his body after securing the upper floors. The identity of the shooter has not yet been released, and officials have not speculated on a motive at this time.
Casualties and Ongoing Investigation
In total, at least six people were shot. Among them, a police officer responding to the initial calls for help was critically injured by gunfire. A civilian victim also suffered serious injuries. Both were rushed to local hospitals, with the officer undergoing emergency surgery.
The condition of the other victims has not been released publicly, but authorities say multiple people sustained non-life-threatening injuries from either gunfire or the chaos that followed.
Police Urge Public to Avoid Midtown Block
As investigators and tactical units continue to comb through the scene, the NYPD has closed off East 52nd Street between Park Avenue and Lexington Avenue. The area remains under heavy lockdown, with bomb squads and K-9 units sweeping the building to rule out any additional threats.
Police are asking the public to avoid the area until further notice, and businesses within the vicinity have been advised to remain closed for the remainder of the day.
Mayor Eric Adams has been briefed on the situation and is expected to address the public later this evening alongside NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban.
City in Shock Amid Rising Concerns
This mass shooting has shaken the heart of Manhattan, a place often considered one of the most heavily policed and secure areas in the country. The boldness of the attack — taking place in broad daylight, in a densely populated business district — has sparked renewed concerns over gun violence, building security, and the proliferation of assault-style weapons.
Social media lit up with footage and photos of fleeing civilians, NYPD cruisers blocking the streets, and helicopters circling overhead. Sirens wailed throughout Midtown as responders flooded the area.
What Comes Next
As of now, the FBI and the NYPD’s Counterterrorism Bureau are assisting in the investigation. Authorities are reviewing security footage, witness statements, and building entry logs to piece together the gunman’s movements and determine how he was able to enter a secured building armed with a high-powered rifle.
Anyone with information or who may have witnessed the incident is urged to call NYPD Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online or via text message.
This is a developing story. More information will be provided as details become available.
Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the brave first responders risking their lives today.
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