New York: Gunman Kills 4, Including NYPD Officer, Before Taking Own Life

A 27-year-old gunman from Las Vegas opened fire, killing four people, including a NYPD officer in a New York high-rise building before turning the weapon on himself.

Speaking during a news conference, Mayor Eric Adams described the incident as a senseless act of gun violence.

According to Adams, another victim remains in critical condition.

The suspect, with a history of mental illness, entered the building in Manhattan armed with an assault rifle and opened fire immediately.

This is according to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch.

He shot the police officer in the lobby, a woman hiding behind a pillar, and a security guard.

A woman exiting an elevator was spared as the shooter proceeded to the 33rd floor, where real estate firm Rudin Management is located and where he killed another person before shooting himself.

The high-rise houses offices of investment firm Blackstone and the National Football League, though the motive and choice of location remain unclear.

The suspect’s vehicle, registered in Nevada, contained multiple weapons and ammunition.

Investigators said he travelled cross-country in the days before the attack.

Authorities believe the shooting was carried out by a lone gunman.

Gun violence remains a serious problem in the U.S., where firearms were widely accessible and legislative efforts for stricter gun control faced strong opposition. 

dpa/NAN