Reports indicate that a shooting has taken place outside of the Empire State Building on 34th Street and Fifth Avenue.
The shooting, that began just after 9 a.m. Friday, has left nine people injured and two people confirmed dead including the gunman who was shot by police.
Disgruntled employee, Jeffery Johnson, 53, fatally shot who published reports are identifying as his former co-worker Steve Ercolino, 41, with a .45-caliber pistol. Ercolino died at the hospital.
Police officers responded to the scene of the shooting when Johnson pointed his weapon at officers and tried to shot them. Officers returned fire killing him, according to police commissioner Ray Kelly.
Johnson was a Manhattan resident who worked for a women’s apparel company and was laid off last year.
The NYPD has ruled out terrorism as a possible motive. Victims were taken to area hospitals with injuries to their lower bodies and are expected to survive. Bullets from police during the shooting exchange with Johnson are believed to have caused the injuries.
Massive street closures continue in the area around the Empire State Building as the investigation continues. The Empire State Building is open.