Gunman Shoots Several People Outside Empire State Building

At about 9:00 am (EST) this morning (8/24) several people were gunned down outside the Empire State Building in New York.

Two people are reportedly dead, including the shooter who was shot by police.

NBC news reports, “The FDNY told NBC News they responded to a call about the shooting at Fifth Avenue and 34th Street at 9:07 a.m. Friday and arrived at 9:13 a.m.”

Eyewitnesses say the suspect was using either a rifle or shotgun and was “shooting indiscriminately at people.”  No official statement has been made yet on the number of fatalities at the scene.

There’s also no word on what could have motivated the gunman, although it’s possible that an argument between co-workers could have caused the shooting.

Surrounding streets are closed and traffic is currently being diverted as police investigate.

UPDATE: (2:00 pm) –  Two dead, 9 wounded, shooter identified: