Manhattan (US), July 29 (HBTV): A gunman armed with an AR-15-style rifle opened fire inside a Manhattan skyscraper on Monday evening (local time), killing four people, including an off-duty police officer, before taking his own life, according to The New York Times.

The shooting occurred at 345 Park Avenue, a 44-storey building in Midtown owned by Rudin Management. The skyscraper houses prominent tenants, including Blackstone and the National Football League (NFL), and the incident caused widespread panic during rush hour in the busy business district.

Authorities said the gunman first shot and killed an off-duty New York City police officer who was working security at the building. He then fatally shot three others, including a woman on the 33rd floor where Rudin Management's office is located, before dying by suicide.

US Attorney General Pam Bondi wrote on X: ‘Our US Attorney in New York Jay Clayton has set up a command post to assist with the shooting in New York City, and local FBI agents are on the scene.’

The NFL confirmed that one of its employees was seriously injured in the shooting. Commissioner Roger Goodell said the individual was in hospital and in stable condition. The employee’s identity was not disclosed.

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said officers received multiple 911 calls at 6:28pm (local time) reporting a shooter inside the building. The gunman reportedly arrived in a black BMW and entered the lobby carrying the rifle, opening fire immediately. He first shot the off-duty officer, followed by a man and a woman, while continuing to fire in the lobby. A security guard hiding behind a desk was also shot.

Tisch added that a woman emerged from an elevator, and the gunman let her pass without harm. He then proceeded to the 33rd floor, where he fatally shot a woman before turning the weapon on himself. 

(ANI)