New York shocked by spectre of violence

Thousands of New York’s Irish-Americans and holiday- makers are on alert this morning after an horrific multiple shooting in one of the city’s best-known tourist districts.

The incident, which involved a disgruntled 53-year-old who lost his job, occurred outside the iconic Empire State Building. It was not terrorism-related. Police said the suspect, Jeffrey Johnson, arrived at the Hazan Imports women’s accessories company at 9am local time yesterday (2pm Irish time). Mr Johnson, who had worked there since 2006, approached a 41-year-old former co-worker and shot him three times with a 45-calibre handgun.

There were unconfirmed reports last night that the victim was Steven Ercolino, a vice-president of the company who had laid Mr Johnson off.

Police officers at the scene on unrelated counter-terrorism duties chased Mr Johnson through crowded streets as shocked onlookers ducked for cover. The suspect is reported by police to have turned and brandished his weapon, at which point he was shot dead by officers.

Nine people were injured in the crossfire, six of whom were taken to hospital.

Witness Rebecca Fox said: “I was scared, in shock, literally shaking. It was just by chance I missed it. I saw a woman covered with blood. Another woman was being taken to an ambulance.”