By IANS,
New York : At least four people were killed, many injured and around 40 people taken hostage by a lone gunman who attacked an immigration services building in Binghamton, New York, news reports said Friday.
The man began shooting in the American Civic Association building, CNN said quoting a law enforcement source.
Around 40 people could have been taken hostage.
The local newspaper, the Press & Sun-Bulletin, said on its website that at least four people were shot and 41 people had been taken hostage. The newspaper said the incident began around 10.30 a.m.
It said sharpshooters from the city’s SWAT team were poised outside the building.
Video from the scene showed a person on a stretcher being taken to an ambulance.
Frank Rozboril, a spokesman for Our Lady of Lourdes Memorial Hospital, which is in the city, said the hospital had one person who had been at the association in the emergency room.
FBI spokesman Richard Kolko said the agency is sending hostage negotiators and an evidence response team to the scene.
The newspaper said nearby apartments were being evacuated.
Rashidun Haque, who owns a nearby convenience store, said police had him and his four customers stay inside and away from the windows.