Midtown Manhattan was thrown into chaos on Thursday evening as police responded to reports of an active shooter near the site of the NFL Draft event. Thousands of attendees and local workers were sent scrambling as authorities locked down multiple blocks around 34th Street and 8th Avenue.
False Alarm Causes Mass Panic
Eyewitnesses described scenes of pandemonium as people ran from what they believed was an active shooter situation. "We heard screaming and saw people sprinting down the street," said one local shop worker. "Everyone was just trying to get away as fast as possible."
New York Police Department officers responded in force, with multiple units converging on the area within minutes. Officers could be seen with weapons drawn as they cleared buildings near the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, where the NFL Draft was underway.
Police Confirm No Shots Fired
After a thorough search of the area, NYPD officials confirmed there had been no actual shooting. "This appears to have been a case of mistaken identity or miscommunication," a police spokesperson told reporters. "We found no evidence of any weapons discharged or any injuries related to gunfire."
The scare occurred just blocks from where thousands of football fans were gathered for the second day of the NFL Draft. While the event itself wasn't evacuated, many attendees reported being caught up in the chaos outside the venue.
Heightened Security in Post-9/11 New York
The incident highlights the heightened state of alert in New York City, particularly around major public events. Police presence had already been increased for the NFL Draft, which is considered a potential target for terrorist activity.
"In today's climate, we have to take every report seriously," the NYPD spokesperson added. "Better to respond aggressively to a false alarm than be caught unprepared."
Authorities are continuing to investigate what initially triggered the active shooter reports. Early speculation suggests a loud noise or altercation may have been misinterpreted amid the already tense atmosphere surrounding the high-profile sporting event.
