Gunman kills political rival in NY

A gunman today opened fire in New York’s City Hall, killing a political rival before being shot dead by police.

Othniel Askew blasted councillor James Davis, a passionate anti-violence campaigner, in front of shocked onlookers midway through a meeting in the lower Manhattan building.

Police said the men had entered City Hall together and not passed through metal detectors that is a requirement for most visitors.

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who was in his office at the time, said the incident was a “random act and not terrorism.