Civilians Wounded and Killed in Empire State Building Shooting

Our sincerest condolence goes out to all those affected by this morning's tragedy.

A number of people are being reported shot after a gunman opened fire outside the Empire State Building just a few moments ago. The shots rang out just before 9:00 a.m. by the New York City monument. People around the area are understandably shaken up as plenty chaotically rush to their offices and work space.

The NYPD shot and killed the gunman, confirming a kill, while other reports are noting that he was in custody.

Civilians wounded are currently in hospitals and traffic was diverted around the Empire State Building as investigators responded to the scene. We will update this post as more news breaks.

NY1--Police are on the scene of a deadly shooting at the Empire State Building this morning.

Sources tell NY1 gunfire rang out just before 9 a.m. and that up to eight civilians were wounded, one fatally.

The others are said to have suffered non life threatening injuries.

Sources also say the alleged gunman was shot and killed at the scene and that he worked inside the building.

Due to the investigation, 34th Street is closed between Park and Sixth Avenues; Fifth Avenue is closed between 42nd and 34th Streets.

NY1 has a crew headed to the scene and will have more information as it becomes available.

AP Tweets: BREAKING: NYC police: 3 or 4 civilians wounded in shooting near Empire State Building, shooter is dead. -BW

Police Scanner: Manhattan: 5 Ave & East 34 St Empire State Bldg 5 people shot. Perp shot by NYPD is DOA on scene, EMS requested on a rush.

From Twitter witness: There was a shooting in front of the Empire State Building around 9 am. We heard it from the M34 bus at 5th Ave. pic.twitter.com/Yfh8CxBy