Several People Reportedly Shot Near Empire State Building in NYC; Gunman Killed

Shooting in NYC Today Possibly Related to Dispute Between Co-Workers, Local Media Reports

By Christine Thomasos, Christian Post Reporter Friday, August 24, 2012

A woman shared on Twitter about the Aug. 24, 2012 shooting in New York City: 'There was a shooting in front of the Empire State Building around 9 a.m. We heard it from the M34 bus at 5th Ave.' — A woman shared on Twitter about the Aug. 24, 2012 shooting in New York City: "There was a shooting in front of the Empire State Building around 9 a.m. We heard it from the M34 bus at 5th Ave." | (Photo: Twitter/@NYCphotos)

Several shootings took place near the Empire State Building in New York City on Friday morning, with two people reported dead at press time, including the unidentified gunman.

There were reports Friday, Aug. 24, 2012, that several people had been shot at the Empire State Building along Fifth Avenue in New York City. The Twitter user who shared this photo wrote in the caption: 'Shooting at Empire State Building. Several gunshot victims, including Gray Line worker.' — There were reports Friday, Aug. 24, 2012, that several people had been shot at the Empire State Building along Fifth Avenue in New York City. The Twitter user who shared this photo wrote in the caption: "Shooting at Empire State Building. Several gunshot victims, including Gray Line worker." | (Photo: Twitter/?@BicyclesOnly)

The shooting took place on Fifth Avenue and 34th Street around 9 a.m., according to NBC News. Police reportedly arrived at the scene just minutes after being called when shots were fired. Authorities told the publication that several people had been shot. Some reports indicate that there were around eight victims. The unnamed gunman was reportedly killed by authorities.

Reuters reports that there were no links to terrorism. The New York Post revealed that the shooting may have stemmed from a dispute between co-workers. However, details about the matter are still unraveling.

Members of the public took to Twitter to react to the tragedy.

Natalie Nunn, formerly a cast member on the reality television show "Bad Girls Club," sent her prayers to those injured in the shootings.

"Omg the shooting in NYC on the news right now in 34th street," Nunn tweeted. "I hope and pray everyone's OK!"

Others warned people to stay away from the area that was being blocked off by authorities.

"Shooting outside Empire State Building. Area cordoned off," another person tweeted. "Avoid 5th ave in midtown. #NYC"

Another person thought the incident was frightening.

"OMG," a spectator tweeted. "Scary."

Still, another person felt sorry for the City of New York.

"Two people have been killed and at least 8 were wounded in a shooting outside of the Empire State Building #sosad #NYC never gets a break," the person tweeted.

Details about the shooter and victims involved in the incident were still emerging at press time.

The Empire State Building is located on Fifth Avenue and West 34th Street in midtown Manhattan, a few blocks from another popular tourist attraction, Times Square.

Shooting Outside Empire State Building, Gunman Killed 8/24/12