Chaos in Times Square: Gunfire Sends Tourists, Bystanders Running for Cover

New York: New York's Times Square, which is one of the world's busiest tourist destinations, suddenly reverberated with gunfire on Thursday afternoon. Panic erupted after a series of gunshots were fired, sending people running in all directions. Police said the suspect was quickly apprehended.

When did the incident happen?

The shooting incident happened at around 3:40 pm local time, after people poured onto the streets of Lower Manhattan to celebrate the victory of the National Basketball Association (NBA) champion New York Knicks. .

The New York Fire Department said one person was taken to the hospital, but no further details were available. Officials said about 10,000 police officers were deployed for the event.

What did the police say?

The New York Police Department (NYPD) said the area was packed with parade participants, who have been in the city since the tournament began last week. Videos on social media showed gunfire, sending people in Times Square running for safety. As the sound of gunfire spread throughout the area, tourists and other nearby residents also began to run for safety.

People were seen running for cover as the suspects fled down the street. Police officers already patrolling the busy tourist area were in pursuit. The shooting occurred just meters from a parked police vehicle.

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.

What about the June 16 firing incident?

The incident comes just days after a separate shooting in Times Square on June 16, when celebrations following the New York Knicks' NBA championship win after a 53-year hiatus turned chaotic. Within hours of the victory, videos emerged of gunfire in the crowded area, sending hundreds of people running for cover. In another video, police were seen seizing a loaded gun from a man.

In one video, at least seven gunshots can be heard near the intersection of 42nd Street and Broadway, a key location where large crowds gathered for hours to celebrate victory Saturday night. A 17-year-old boy was injured in the shooting and was taken to a hospital in a police vehicle.