n the United States, two people were killed, including a gunman, and up to eight others were wounded in a shootout near New York's Empire State Building. US media reported, the gunman was killed by police. Officials said, eight others were wounded in the rush-hour incident at 34th Street and Fifth Avenue. 

Law enforcement officials said a recently sacked shop worker shot a former colleague to death. New York City officials are about to hold a news conference.

Local media reports say, there is currently a heavy police presence in the area, and the FBI were also on the scene. Fifth Avenue, a major traffic artery in the city, has been closed from 42nd street. Witnesses describe people running away from the scene of the shooting.