Reported Shooting at Brooklyn Subway Station – NBC Los Angeles

NEW YORK – Several people were shot this Tuesday morning at a Brooklyn subway station, authorities close to the investigation confirmed.

At least five people were shot at a Brooklyn subway station by a man wearing a gas mask and an orange construction vest who may have thrown a smoke canister onto the platform to distract the crowd during rush hour, according to NYPD officers and senior law enforcement officials. Several unexploded devices were found. They emphasize that the investigation is preliminary.

The shooter was not in custody an hour and a half after he opened fire at the 36th Street and Fourth Avenue station in Sunset Park around 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, NBC 4 New York reports. The police were combing the subway tunnels, according to some witness reports, he may have jumped onto the tracks, but the gunman was still on the loose at 10:05 a.m.

Multiple officers said a man wearing clothing resembling uniforms worn by MTA personnel suddenly began shooting while throwing the devices to the ground.

Two of the five shooting victims were said to have been seriously injured. The extent of the other victims’ injuries was unclear, but police said at least 13 were taken to hospitals. It is not clear if all had been shot.

Police described the suspected shooter as a male approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall and 180 pounds. The police believe that he acted alone. A motive is being investigated, although a full search for the gunman is the top priority for investigators at this time.

The FDNY says it responded to a smoke call at the station and found multiple gunshot victims. Details about the unexploded devices were not immediately available.

Authorities reported that they were called for a smoke emergency between 36th street and 4th avenue and upon arrival found several people shot and several unexploded explosive devices.

Photos posted on social media showed bloodied people on the platform, and Citizen app footage showed a heavy police presence at the scene.

Some of the injured boarded another train to flee to the next station to escape gunfire, the sources said.

Local schools have been placed under a shelter-in-place order, an Education Department spokesman said. It is unclear how many were affected. No other information was immediately available.

The NYPD is leading the investigation. Federal investigators with ATF and HSI are also on the scene.

The NYPD warned New Yorkers to avoid the area and to expect emergency vehicles and delays. Power was lost on the N/R line from 59th Street to Atlantic Avenue and significant delays were reported on the B, D, F, N, Q and R lines. W service is suspended.

Authorities warned residents to stay away from the area.

–