Earlier, the NYPD responded to several 911 calls reporting a man with what appeared to be a shotgun on East 42nd Street and 1st Avenue, near the United Nations New York Headquarters, Detective Hubert Reyes said.
Two law enforcement officials say the man was seen muttering to himself and also has what appears to be a bag with him.
The bomb squad has responded as a precaution, both sources said.
“We’ve locked down the building due to police activity going on outside the UN in front of our gates,” Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the United Nations tells CNN.
He added that the situation is ongoing.
An internal message from the UN Security was administered saying:
“The Security and Safety Service of UNDSS wishes to inform that there is ongoing police activity at 1st Avenue between 42nd and 43rd Streets.”
“All personnel and delegates at UNHQ are hereby requested to shelter in place.”
“Host country authorities are presently on the scene. The Security and Safety Service is monitoring the situation and will update accordingly.”
The UN Security Council meeting is ongoing at present.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
