4 Shot, Dozens taken hostage in Binghamton NY:
Deaths confirmed at N.Y. hostage-taking
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. – Several people were killed Friday when a gunman walked into an immigrant services center and opened fire, Gov. David Paterson said.
“I speak for all of New York when I offer my prayers for the victims and families of this tragedy,” Paterson said hours after the gunman shot several people and took dozens hostage. The gunman had already blocked the back door with his car, authorities said.
NBC’s Pete Williams cited city and state officials as saying that as many 13 people might have been killed. But Williams cautioned that the information was very preliminary and may change by because police were still searching the building.Law enforcement officials also believed the gunman was dead, Williams said, but they were not certain how he died.
Two people were seen in handcuffs as they left the building, but Williams said they were not suspects and that police were simply taking extra precautions as people left the building.
Authorities scheduled a news conference for 4:30 p.m. ET.
At least 41 people were in the American Civic Association building at the time of the shooting, The Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin reported.
The gunman had a high-powered rifle, Mayor Matthew Ryan told the newspaper. Law enforcement sources later told NBC News that several weapons were recovered from the shooting scene. (Source: MSNBC)
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Tags: binghamton, death, hostage, new york, news
this is such a tragic experience for all the people who are in the building… is there really a need for some people to die? why didn’t the policemen do something to save the civilians?
by Kenneth Sena (Apr 14, 2009 at 5 AM)sad situation out there… are there any children included in the hostage? hope none. (www.kika.ca)
by Kenneth Sena (Apr 14, 2009 at 5 AM)