UPDATE: A shocking shooting incident unfolded in Midtown Manhattan on October 23, 2023, as a gunman armed with an AR-15-style rifle opened fire in the lobby of a skyscraper, killing four people, including a police officer. This horrific event occurred during the evening rush hour at 6:28 PM, sending the bustling area into chaos.
Officials confirmed that the gunman drove up to 345 Park Avenue in a black BMW before entering the building and immediately targeting a New York City police officer. In a rapid sequence of events, the assailant also shot two more victims in the lobby, creating a scene of terror among commuters and workers in the area.
According to Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, the shooter then proceeded to the elevator, where he fatally shot a security guard. A woman who emerged from the elevator was spared as the gunman allowed her to pass unharmed. The violence escalated when he reached the 33rd floor, where he killed a woman in the office of Rudin Management, before turning the gun on himself.
The building, home to major companies such as Blackstone and the National Football League, was filled with employees and visitors at the time of the shooting. Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes, as people fled the lobby and spilled into the streets, seeking safety from the unfolding violence.
Emergency responders arrived promptly at the scene, with multiple 911 calls triggering a swift police response. Authorities are currently investigating the motives behind the attack and the gunman’s background.
This tragic incident is part of a troubling trend of gun violence impacting urban areas, raising questions about public safety and the need for comprehensive measures to prevent such attacks.
As investigations continue, officials urge anyone with information to come forward. The community is left reeling from this devastating act, with families mourning the loss of their loved ones.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops, and watch for official statements from law enforcement and city officials addressing the aftermath of this chilling event.
