NEW YORK (BN24) — An off-duty police officer and a civilian were shot outside a high-rise office tower in Midtown Manhattan on Monday in a daytime shooting that prompted a massive police response and temporarily locked down a building that houses major corporate headquarters, including Blackstone and the NFL. The suspect was later found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound inside the building, according to law enforcement sources.
The shooting erupted outside 345 Park Avenue near East 52nd Street just after 9 a.m., police sources said. Surveillance footage reportedly captured the shooter outside the building wielding a long gun. The off-duty officer, who was working security at the building, and a bystander were both struck by gunfire.
After the initial shots, the suspect fled into the building and took refuge on the 33rd floor, where he appeared to have barricaded himself. He was later found dead from what investigators believe was a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said.
The conditions of the two shooting victims have not yet been disclosed. Emergency services responded quickly, placing the building on lockdown and warning nearby pedestrians and workers to avoid the area.
City and federal authorities stressed that the threat was no longer active but cautioned employees inside the building to remain sheltered in place until they could be escorted out safely. A message sent to some workers in 345 Park Avenue indicated the immediate danger had passed but advised continued caution under police supervision.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams urged the public to steer clear of the area during what he called an “active shooter investigation,” while the NYPD closed off several surrounding streets. “Expect emergency vehicles and delays,” the department posted on social media.
The FBI’s New York Field Office dispatched agents and command staff to assist the NYPD at the scene. FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino confirmed the agency’s involvement and said the motive behind the shooting was under investigation.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul also said she had been briefed on the incident and was monitoring the situation closely.
Though the building houses high-profile tenants including investment giant Blackstone and the National Football League, authorities have not confirmed any connection between the gunman and the building’s occupants.
The incident shook a busy part of Midtown during the Monday morning rush and reignited fears about gun violence even in New York’s business core.
