A heavily armed gunman opened fire in broad daylight in the heart of Manhattan on Monday evening, killing four people—including a police officer—before reportedly turning the weapon on himself.
The attack unfolded around 6:30 p.m. inside the lobby of an office building at 365 Park Avenue, home to major tenants including Blackstone asset management and the NFL. Surveillance images posted online showed the shooter wearing a sport coat and button-down shirt while carrying a large assault rifle equipped with a silencer.
According to CNN, the suspect is believed to be a 27-year-old man from Las Vegas. Approximately 30 people were inside the building at the time of the shooting.
Among those killed was Officer Didarul Islam, who had been working private security at the building. Islam, a new father, was shot in the back. Three others were wounded in the incident; their conditions have not been released.
The suspect was later found dead on the 33rd floor from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed the shooter was “neutralized” and that the scene is now secure. The department has urged the public to avoid East 52nd Street between Park and Lexington Avenues as the investigation continues.
Footage posted to social media shows heavily armed officers entering the building with weapons drawn. Other videos captured first responders carrying victims from the scene and rendering aid to individuals on the sidewalk.
A touching tribute was shared by EMS First in honor of Officer Islam:
“Tonight, a chair at the dinner table is left empty. Tonight, a family grieves a loss that cannot be measured. Tonight, a hero made the ultimate, selfless sacrifice in the line of duty. Remember his name. Honor his service. Never forget his face.”
Two additional individuals—a man and a woman—were taken into custody at the scene, according to AMNY. The man reportedly shouted, “Free Palestine, I’m not the active shooter,” while the woman appeared to have a head injury.
FBI agents responded to the incident, and New York officials, including Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James, issued statements offering condolences and support to victims, first responders, and their families.
Authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the shooting.