Tourists and locals ran for cover after multiple gunshots hit New York’s iconic square
Panic gripped downtown Manhattan Thursday afternoon after gunfire erupted in Times Square, sending tourists, commuters and street vendors scrambling for shelter in one of the world’s busiest tourist spots.
The shots were fired shortly before 4 p.m. near West 44th Street and Seventh Avenue, according to the NYPD.
Videos from the scene showed the usual bustle of the stadium turning into chaos after the loud bang. EarthCam footage appeared to show two men running down the street, pulling out weapons, and opening fire before fleeing the scene.
🚨 BREAKING: Clash in Times Square after SHOOTING PAID right now
The ghetto wannabe “gangstas” are clearly inspired by their rampage after the Knicks game.
Now OPENING FIRE at the crossroads of the world in broad daylight.
Mamdani has failed TOTAL.
All this World Cup… pic.twitter.com/zoNtXdVKx0
– Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) June 18, 2026
Police officers quickly chased down one suspect, took him into custody, and recovered a handgun. The identity of the suspect was not released, but police said he is under the age of 18. A motive remains unclear, as officials are still investigating whether the shooting was random or targeted.
🇺🇸: Shots taken near 42nd Street and Broadway in Times Square, New York City.
According to NYPD reports and witness accounts, the gunshots caused panic and the crowd to disperse. The suspect was quickly arrested, and a gun was recovered at the scene. No injuries have been confirmed… pic.twitter.com/3Pbgnybtx1
– World In The Last 24 Hours (@world24x7hr) June 18, 2026
The Fire Department said one person was taken to the hospital, although further details were not immediately available. CBS New York, citing police, reported that no one was injured, leaving the casualty picture unclear in the immediate aftermath.
🚨 #BREAKING: Shots taken near 42nd Street & Broadway in Times Square
The suspect has been arrested and a gun was found at the scene. The NYPD is investigating. There were no immediate reports of injuries. pic.twitter.com/ecICVrm6uY
— BREAKING NEWS (@TheNewsTrending) June 18, 2026
The event came a few hours after crowds flooded Manhattan for the New York Knicks’ championship parade, which was held elsewhere in the city. Officials said the Times Square shooting was not connected to the parade, where about 10,000 police officers had been deployed for security.
The scare also comes as New York is already packed with soccer fans for the ongoing FIFA World Cup, with even bigger crowds expected as the New York/New Jersey region prepares for the tournament’s final at MetLife Stadium on July 19.
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