Midtown Manhattan shooting kills NYPD officer and three others in corporate tower incident
Written July 29, 2025 – 18:30 EDT
Four people, including a New York Police Department officer, were killed Monday evening in a shooting at a skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan. The suspected gunman, identified as a 27-year-old male from Las Vegas, also died from what authorities believe to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and NYPD, are continuing a joint investigation into the motive and events that unfolded inside the office building at 345 Park Avenue.
Shooting occurs in busy Manhattan district near tourist landmarks
The violence erupted in one of the busiest parts of Midtown Manhattan, just blocks from popular destinations like Grand Central Station, the Museum of Modern Art, and Rockefeller Center. The 634-foot office building at 345 Park Avenue spans an entire city block and houses major corporate tenants such as the National Football League (NFL) and Blackstone.
At the time of the incident, the area was filled with both locals and tourists. Eyewitness accounts and video footage shared on social media captured the swift and intense response by NYPD units and emergency services, who quickly cordoned off the surrounding streets.
Gunman identified as Las Vegas resident with handgun license
Multiple law enforcement sources told CNN that the gunman has been tentatively identified as a 27-year-old man from Las Vegas. He reportedly had a concealed carry license for a handgun and previously held a private investigator license, which has since expired.
Authorities confirmed that preliminary background checks do not reveal a significant criminal record. Surveillance footage shows the individual entering the building alone while carrying a long gun. Officials say the motive remains under investigation and it is unclear whether the shooter had a specific target in the building.
Law enforcement confirms lone gunman, provides timeline of attack
According to NYPD reports and confirmation from the FBI’s New York office, the shooter acted alone.
Shortly after 5 p.m. local time, the individual entered 345 Park Avenue armed with what appeared to be a long rifle. Within minutes, multiple gunshots were heard, and emergency calls were made.
CNN reports that hundreds of NYPD officers and federal agents responded to the active shooter situation. The shooter was later found dead inside the building, with a weapon nearby.
An NYPD officer was shot in the back and later died in the hospital despite undergoing emergency surgery. Two civilians were also shot: one is in critical condition, while the other is expected to recover.
Authorities conduct floor-by-floor building search
New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed via social media that the NYPD carried out a thorough floor-by-floor search of the skyscraper following the shooting.
“If you are in the building, please stay where you are,” Adams stated on X (formerly Twitter). “The NYPD is carefully sweeping 345 Park Avenue.”
As a precaution, nearby buildings were also placed under temporary lockdown. Adams said he visited the hospital where the victims were being treated and emphasized the city’s commitment to supporting those affected.
Political leaders respond to Manhattan shooting
Elected officials across New York State expressed condolences and called for stronger action to address gun violence.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) called the event a “horrific shooting” and stated on X that he was “deeply disturbed” by the loss of life. “Praying hard for the brave NYPD officer impacted and all other victims of this tragedy,” he wrote.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) shared that she was monitoring the situation closely, stating, “I’m praying for our first responders and everyone at the scene.”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer also weighed in, saying, “We must do more to stop gun violence in America.”
Federal agencies assisting in ongoing investigation
The FBI’s New York office confirmed it is assisting the NYPD with the investigation. FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino wrote on X that the agency is present at the scene to “provide support.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi added that the U.S. Attorney’s Office in New York has established a command post to aid in the ongoing response.
Officials have not publicly released the suspect’s name, pending formal identification and notification of next of kin.
Law enforcement shares image of suspected gunman
While not publicly released, law enforcement sources shared with CNN an image captured by security cameras showing the alleged gunman walking into the building. The man appears to be wearing dark clothing, including sunglasses and a jacket, while carrying a large firearm.
Investigators continue to analyze footage from the building’s security system to determine the sequence of events leading up to the shooting.
Gun violence reignites national conversation on safety and policy
The incident in Manhattan adds to a growing list of mass shootings across the United States, renewing calls for stronger gun control measures. While New York has some of the strictest gun laws in the country, this case highlights challenges related to firearm access across state lines.
Governor Kathy Hochul shared that she had been briefed and urged the public to avoid the area while emergency response continues.
“We are devastated by the loss of a public servant in uniform,” she said. “Our hearts are with the families of those impacted.”
What we know so far:
- Incident location: 345 Park Avenue, Midtown Manhattan
- Victims: 4 dead, including 1 NYPD officer; 2 others injured
- Shooter: Believed to be a 27-year-old male from Las Vegas, died from self-inflicted wound
- Motive: Still under investigation
- Responders: NYPD and FBI on-site, floor-by-floor building search completed
- Public safety: Area now contained; public asked to remain cautious
Conclusion
As New York City grieves the loss of life in another tragic act of gun violence, officials stress the importance of a unified response, both locally and nationally. The NYPD and FBI continue to investigate the suspect’s background, motive, and how he gained access to the building armed.
The incident underscores the challenges urban centers face in preventing and responding to sudden violence—even in heavily monitored, high-security areas.
More updates will be provided as the investigation develops.
Source: CNN – 4 people, including NYPD officer, killed in Midtown Manhattan shooting, official says
