Officer among four killed in New York City building shooting

A New York City police officer is among four people killed in a shooting inside a Midtown Manhattan high-rise.

Police said the gunman walked into the office building on Monday evening with an MR rifle in clear view before spraying bullets in the lobby and on an upper floor. He then took his own life.

The shooting - in the centre of the most populous US city - sent pedestrians running for cover as police warned of an active gunman around 1830 ET. Those inside the building cowered as gunfire echoed - some even piling couches and chairs against doors as they hid in offices.

Police say the suspect, Shane Devon Tamura, 27, travelled from Las Vegas but a motive is unclear.

A New York City police officer is among four people killed in a shooting inside a Midtown Manhattan high-rise.

Police said the gunman walked into the office building on Monday evening with an MR rifle in clear view before spraying bullets in the lobby and on an upper floor. He then took his own life.

The shooting - in the centre of the most populous US city - sent pedestrians running for cover as police warned of an active gunman around 1830 ET. Those inside the building cowered as gunfire echoed - some even piling couches and chairs against doors as they hid in offices.

Police say the suspect, Shane Devon Tamura, 27, travelled from Las Vegas but a motive is unclear.

Local officials and authorities celebrated Officer Islam Monday night. "He died as he lived - a hero," Ms Tisch said.

An officer with the department for three years, Officer Islam was an immigrant from Bangladesh. He and his wife have two children, and his wife is currently pregnant with their third child.

"He was going the job that we asked him to do," Ms Tisch said. "He made the ultimate sacrifice."

The incident brought parts of Midtown Manhattan and public transportation to a halt. A BBC journalist at the scene reported seeing scores of police vehicles and at least one person with a bloodied chest being taken away on a stretcher.

Bystanders reported hearing what sounded like gunshots and police told those in the area, including the BBC journalist, to shelter in nearby buildings.

Police worked floor-by-floor to clear the building, an effort that took hours.

Mama Bouhenni, working at the nearby Sip & Scoop coffee shop as the incident unfolded, told the BBC she saw dozens of people from surrounding buildings being evacuated.

They held their hands above their heads, she said.

Ms Bouhenni said she recognised many of them as customers. "This is so terrifying for them, I hope they can go home safe."