Midtown Manhattan shooting leaves NYPD officer and civilian injured, suspect dead [VIDEO]

Chaos Erupts at 345 Park Avenue

On the evening of July 28 (today), a shooting in Midtown Manhattan sent shockwaves through New York City as a heavily armed man opened fire outside a corporate high-rise. The gunman wounded an NYPD officer and one civilian before fleeing into the building. Thus, prompting a lockdown and massive law enforcement response.

At approximately 6:45 p.m. ET, gunfire rang out near the entrance of 345 Park Avenue, a building housing high-profile tenants including Blackstone, the NFL, KPMG, and Bristol-Myers Squibb. Eyewitnesses reported a man wielding an assault-style rifle firing outside the entrance before entering the building through the revolving doors.

Emergency services were immediately dispatched. The NYPD declared a Level 3 Mobilization, deploying drones, K-9 units, and tactical teams. A shelter-in-place order was issued for the area surrounding East 52nd Street between Park and Lexington Avenues.

Initial social media posts and scanner traffic described multiple victims and confusion surrounding the suspect’s location. Some claimed the shooter was wearing body armor and tactical gear. However, this was later disproven by surveillance footage.

Law Enforcement Response: Lockdown, Search, and FBI Involvement

Within minutes, the building and surrounding blocks were locked down. Tactical teams swarmed the area. The FBI arrived shortly after. Therefore, assisting local law enforcement under protocols for potential terrorism or mass-casualty events.

By 7:10 p.m., reports indicated that the suspect may have taken an elevator to the 32nd or 33rd floor. Authorities began a floor-by-floor sweep of the building, and the NYPD Bomb Squad was deployed as a precaution, although no explosives were found.

Around 7:40 p.m., law enforcement discovered the suspect on the 33rd floor. He was deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. No further threat was identified, and the lockdown was gradually lifted after building clearance.

Victims: One NYPD Officer and One Civilian Wounded

The shooter’s bullets struck two people outside the building. An NYPD officer was hit multiple times—some reports say in the back and leg—while responding to the call. The officer was transported to Bellevue Hospital and is expected to recover.

A civilian was also shot. However, their condition remains unconfirmed. Video captured at the scene shows emergency personnel performing CPR on one victim. Initial rumors of six total victims have not been substantiated.

Despite early panic, no fatalities occurred among the victims. The suspect’s suicide is the only confirmed death tied to the incident.

CCTV Footage Contradicts Initial Reports

Surveillance images from the building’s front entrance provided a clearer picture of the suspect. He appeared to be of East Asian descent, dressed in a dark business suit, and wore sunglasses. Casually, he carried an AR-15-style rifle with no visible bulletproof vest or tactical equipment.

This footage contradicts early eyewitness reports that described the suspect as “Middle Eastern” and outfitted for combat. The contrast underscores how chaotic incidents often lead to misinformation and racial bias in real-time descriptions.

Unfounded “Free Palestine” Claim Goes Viral

A controversial detail that quickly spread across social media was the claim that the shooter shouted “Free Palestine” before opening fire. The phrase appeared in a widely shared X (formerly Twitter) post from @stevegrubershow and was echoed by numerous users.

However, upon further research, there is no verified evidence supporting this claim. Videos and photos from the scene suggest that the phrase was actually shouted by a bystander during an unrelated detainment. One man, not the shooter, yelled “Free Palestine, I’m not the active shooter!” while being arrested. He and a woman were briefly held but later released with no confirmed connection to the crime.

No known motive has been officially linked to the shooter. In addition, no political manifesto or ideological statement has surfaced. Mainstream media outlets, including ABC and local New York affiliates, have not confirmed any political or religious link.

Timeline of Events

• 6:45 p.m. — Shots fired outside 345 Park Ave. NYPD officer and civilian injured.
• 6:50 p.m. — Shelter-in-place ordered. Police shut down surrounding streets.
• 7:05 p.m. — Reports surface that the suspect may be on the 32nd or 33rd floor.
• 7:10 p.m. — FBI arrives. Bomb squad deployed.
• 7:40 p.m. — Shooter found dead from self-inflicted gunshot wound on 33rd floor.
• 8:00 p.m.+ — Scene begins to clear. NYPD confirms only two wounded and one suspect deceased.

Public Reaction and Misinformation Challenges

The shooting drew swift reactions from across the political and social spectrum. While many praised the NYPD and FBI for their rapid response, others expressed concern over the spread of false information during the event.

The “Free Palestine” narrative in particular sparked outrage before facts were confirmed. Critics argue that the post, which gained over 100,000 views, exploited a sensitive geopolitical issue for viral traction. Misinformation during active shooter incidents is a recurring problem, often stoking fear and polarization before the truth emerges.

This event serves as a reminder of the dangers of real-time disinformation and the need for media literacy, especially in breaking news environments.

Broader Security Context and Urban Violence Trends

While overall shooting rates in New York City have declined in 2025, incidents like this highlight the persistent challenges of urban violence. According to a 2023 report from the National Institute of Justice, gun-related violence in major U.S. cities rose by 15% from 2018 to 2023.

This incident also follows a recent July 22 case, where Michael Gann was charged for attempting to use explosive devices in Manhattan. While unrelated, the proximity of both cases has heightened security concerns across corporate and financial sectors.

345 Park Avenue’s tenant list—which includes global firms like Blackstone—raises questions about whether the shooter had a financial, ideological, or personal grievance. As of now, no such motive has been confirmed.

What We Know and What Remains Unanswered

• The shooter acted alone, with no known accomplices.
• He used an AR-15-style weapon and died by suicide.
• The injured NYPD officer is recovering; the civilian’s condition is unclear.
• No confirmed motive, manifesto, or ideological statement has been found.
• Viral claims about “Free Palestine” were inaccurate.

Investigations continue. Authorities urge anyone with additional footage or firsthand knowledge to contact the NYPD tip line. The FBI has not issued a separate statement but remains involved in the probe.