New York: Panic gripped Times Square on Thursday afternoon after gunfire broke out in the crowded tourist hub, leaving one person injured and triggering scenes of chaos. Police said the suspect has been taken into custody.
The incident occurred around 3.40 pm local time, sending tourists and pedestrians scrambling for safety as shots rang out. Videos circulating on social media showed people running for cover amid loud bangs, heightening fears in one of the busiest intersections of New York City.
According to officials from the New York Fire Department, the injured person was rushed to hospital. Authorities have not yet disclosed details about the victimās condition or the motive behind the shooting.
The incident came just hours after celebratory events linked to the New York Knicks, following which thousands of police personnel had been deployed across the city as a precaution.
šØ BREAKING: CHAOS in Times Square after SHOTS FIRED just now
Ghetto wannabe āgangstasā have clearly been emboldened by their rampage after the Knicks game.
Now OPENING FIRE in the crossroads of the world in broad daylight.
Mamdani is a TOTAL failure.
All these World Cupā¦ pic.twitter.com/zoNtXdVKx0
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) June 18, 2026
Police quickly cordoned off the area and launched an investigation. CCTV footage and clips shared online reportedly show shots being fired by a group of individuals dressed in black. Security agencies are examining both surveillance visuals and social media content to piece together the sequence of events.
The latest shooting has once again reignited concerns over public safety in Times Square, especially as it follows another recent incident in which a 17-year-old boy was injured, prompting renewed debate over security measures in the heart of the city.
