Several videos circulating online show multiple gunshots being fired in New York's Times Square on Thursday afternoon, triggering panic among tourists and bystanders, who were seen running for cover. The New York Police Department (NYPD) said a suspect was swiftly pursued and apprehended. The Fire Department of New York confirmed that one person was taken to hospital but did not provide further details.
The incident occurred around 3:40 pm local time on Thursday, shortly after a parade celebrating the NBA champion New York Knicks drew large crowds to the streets of lower Manhattan. Officials said nearly 10,000 police officers had been deployed for the event.
The NYPD also noted that the area was crowded with visitors attending the FIFA World Cup, who have been in the city since the tournament began last week.
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Videos shared on social media captured the moment gunshots rang out, sending people in Times Square scrambling for safety. Tourists and other bystanders were seen rushing to find cover as panic spread through the bustling area.
🚨 BREAKING: CHAOS in Times Square after SHOTS FIRED just now
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) June 18, 2026
Ghetto wannabe “gangstas” 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 Cup… pic.twitter.com/zoNtXdVKx0
Witnesses captured scenes of people running for shelter as the suspect fled down the street, pursued by police officers already stationed in the heavily crowded tourist district. The shooting reportedly occurred just metres away from a parked police vehicle.
The incident comes just days after a separate shooting in Times Square on June 16, when celebrations following the New York Knicks' NBA championship victory after a 53-year title drought turned chaotic.
Within hours of the win, videos showed gunshots being fired in the packed area, prompting hundreds of revellers to flee. In another clip, police officers were seen recovering a loaded firearm from an individual. A 17-year-old boy was injured in the shooting and was rushed to the nearby hospital.