4 dead, including off-duty police officer, in Midtown Manhattan shooting: Sources
A man wearing body armor and carrying a high-powered rifle shot and killed four people, including an off-duty police officer working security in a Midtown Manhattan office building, sources told ABC News.
The incident occurred just before 6:30 p.m. on Monday in a building located at 345 Park Ave. and 52nd Street, sources said, which contains the headquarters for the investment company Blackstone and the National Football League, sources said.
It is unclear if those companies, or any company in the building, were tied to the shooting.
After apparently barricading himself on the 33rd floor, the suspect was found dead from what is believed to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, sources added.
The motive is currently under investigation, FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said.
Surveillance footage captured the suspect outside the building, according to sources.
Some of the employees inside 345 Park Ave. were advised that the threat "has been resolved," but were asked to only leave the building with a police escort, according to a message sent to employees.
A witness inside the Midtown office building at the time of the shooting detailed to ABC News what it was like at the scene as colleagues hid in lockdown, unsure of what was unfolding.
"We heard multiple shots go off in quick succession from the first floor, and a lot of us just rushed into the room," Jessica Chen said, adding that she was on the second floor of the building watching a presentation with about 150 other people when the shooting started.
"Some went out in the back door, out onto the street. Other people, including me, we ran into the conference room and then eventually barricaded the tables across the doors and just stayed still," Chen said.
"I texted my parents 'I love them,'" Chen said. "Nothing can describe that feeling."
Chen went on to say that she recalled doing active shooter drills in school and said she often wondered what she would do in this kind of scenario. "It's unfortunate that all Americans could think this through," Chen said.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams earlier warned residents to avoid the area amid the "active shooter investigation."
The New York City Police Department also urged people to avoid the vicinity of East 52nd Street between Park Avenue and Lexington Avenue due to police activity.
MORE: 3 dead, several injured in shooting outside casino in Reno: Police
"Expect emergency vehicles & delays in the surrounding area," the NYPD said on social media.
FBI New York Field Office management personnel and agents responded "to provide support at the active crime scene in Manhattan," Bongino said on X.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said she has been briefed on the situation.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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