Man Armed With Shotgun Detained Outside UN HQ
16:09 GMT 02.12.2021 (Updated: 20:11 GMT 19.10.2022)
© AP Photo / Adam Rountree
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Earlier, Sputnik's correspondent reported there was a large police presence outside the building.
A man armed with a shotgun who stood outside the UN headquarters in New York City has been detained, a police source said.
Earlier in the day, the area outside the UN headquarters in New York was cordoned off following a report of a man armed with a shotgun approaching the building.
"We have received a call about an armed man seen near 42d Street and First Avenue," a police source said.
First Avenue and streets around the United Nations headquarters were blocked and a helicopter could be seen flying over the building in midtown Manhattan.
UN personnel were urged to shelter in place amid ongoing police operation.
"The Security and Safety Service of UNDSS wishes to inform that there is ongoing police activity at 1st Avenue between 42nd and 43rd streets," the statement said. "All personnel and delegates at UNHQ are hereby requested to shelter in place."
Situation unfolding outside UN headquarters in New York . A man with what it looks to be a firearm and a backpack.
— Laura Quiñones (@Lauramechas) December 2, 2021
UN staff asked to shelter in place . pic.twitter.com/L4tMms92D1
Breaking: There is an armed individual standing outside the UN headquarters in New York.
— Mirna Alsharif ميرنا الشريف (@mirna_alsharif) December 2, 2021
"We've locked down the building due to police activity going on outside the UN in front of our gates," said UNSG Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric. "Everyone is in the building for time being."
Sputnik's correspondent took a photo of the suspected gunman.
Police were watching the man for some time but did not approach him. NYPD spokesman said they were trying to establish a dialogue with a white male "in his 60s" with a possible shotgun.
The United Nations has no evidence that the armed man outside the organization’s headquarters has any criminal, terrorist or political motives, spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a press briefing on Thursday.
"At this point, we have no such evidence," Dujarric said.
"The NYPD [New York Police Department] is on the ground, they are trying to talk to the man, they are diffusing the situation. But we are not aware of any sort of political or other motives," he added.
"At this point, we have no such evidence," Dujarric said.
"The NYPD [New York Police Department] is on the ground, they are trying to talk to the man, they are diffusing the situation. But we are not aware of any sort of political or other motives," he added.
Watch Sputnik's live broadcast from the area outside the UN headquarters.
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