Tourists and bystanders in New York’s Times Square scrambled for cover on Thursday after several gunshots were fired, sending people running in all directions. Police said a suspect was quickly chased down, while the Fire Department said one person was taken to hospital, though no further details were released, reported international news agency Associated Press (AP).
The shooting occurred at around 3.40 pm local time, after the parade celebrating the NBA champion New York Knicks had filled the streets of Lower Manhattan. Officials said 10,000 police officers had been deployed to secure the event honouring the Knicks’ first championship team in 53 years.
In a viral video, moments before the shooting could be seen. The aerial footage of Times Square, a popular tourist destination, showed a normal day with people sitting at cafes, walking around, and a group of boys playing and dribbling a football before multiple gunshots were heard, sending people running in panic.
A police van could be seen in the area, and as the gunfire began, officers got out and spoke into their walkie-talkies. Within seconds, the entire area was deserted.
A webcam video showed at least two people in black clothing stepping into the crowded intersection and opening fire with what appeared to be handguns, reported AP. Panicked bystanders were seen scrambling to get away or ducking for cover as the suspects ran down the street.
Several officers who had been on patrol in the tourist hub chased the suspects as they fled. The shooting took place just yards, or metres, from a parked police vehicle.
Police said that several people got into a fight that led to gunfire, the New York Post reported. Citing witnesses, the newspaper reported that five shots were heard.
The incident came days after another shooting in Times Square. Police said a 17-year-old was shot last weekend in the heart of the area, where fans were celebrating the Knicks’ final win over San Antonio. Police took the victim to hospital because an ambulance could not get through the crowds.
