A shocking act of violence rocked midtown Manhattan Monday afternoon when a gunman stormed a high-rise office tower, killing five people—including a police officer—and wounding several others before taking his own life. The skyscraper, which houses major corporate tenants like Blackstone and the NFL’s headquarters, quickly became the scene of chaos, sirens, and gunfire as New York City police and federal agents responded to the unthinkable.

The shooter, a 27-year-old man from Las Vegas according to early reports, entered the building carrying a rifle. Security footage showed him walking through the lobby before opening fire indiscriminately. After his initial rampage, he reportedly made his way up through the building, targeting more victims as he went. The gunman ultimately reached the 33rd floor, where he fatally shot himself, police said.

New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed that the shooter was “neutralized” and that the threat was no longer active. “The scene has been contained,” she wrote on X, formerly Twitter. But for many in the area, the terror was far from over.

Fox News reports that at least four civilians inside the building were killed in the attack, in addition to one NYPD officer. Another officer was seriously wounded and remains hospitalized. The motives for the attack are still under investigation, but former FBI agent Stuart Kaplan told media the shooter appeared to know exactly where he was going. “He had a plan,” Kaplan said. “This wasn’t random.”

That observation is raising fears that the shooter may have had a specific target in mind—possibly someone affiliated with one of the firms in the building. Authorities have not yet released the names of the victims or the suspect pending further investigation and family notification.

The scene quickly drew a massive law enforcement presence. Helicopters hovered overhead. Streets were cordoned off. FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino confirmed that agents from the New York Field Office were on-site providing support to local authorities. “This is being treated as an active crime scene with potential federal implications,” he said.

Mayor Eric Adams issued an urgent public warning as the situation unfolded. “There is an active shooter investigation taking place in Midtown right now,” he posted on social media. “Please take proper safety precautions if you are in the vicinity.”

Panic spread quickly across Park Avenue and East 51st Street as videos of the attack and emergency response flooded social media. Crowds of onlookers gathered behind police barricades while first responders rushed victims out of the building.

In the hours following the tragedy, city officials promised a full investigation. They also praised the bravery of the NYPD officers who responded under fire. “They ran toward danger,” Tisch said. “We owe them everything.”

As the city mourns another senseless act of violence, the tragedy is sure to reignite debate over security in high-traffic business districts—and the chilling rise in targeted mass shootings. Details about the shooter’s background and possible motive are expected to emerge in the coming days.