NYPD Apprehended Armed Man Outside United Nations

(Bloomberg) -- The New York Police Department apprehended an armed man outside of the United Nations headquarters in Midtown Manhattan on Thursday and took him into custody, allowing the UN to return to normal operations.

The NYPD said a White man in his 60s was outside of the building with a loaded shotgun under his chin. Officers responded to a 911 call made from inside the UN at 10:40 a.m. The individual never threatened to harm anyone, nor did he direct the weapon toward officers on the scene, according to First Deputy Commissioner Benjamin Tucker. The NYPD said there were no injuries stemming from the incident and the man was transported to the hospital for observation.

Police declined to identify the man, who is thought to have traveled from Florida, checking into the Millennium Hotel in Midtown Manhattan on Wednesday. The armed man wanted officers to deliver medical papers and other documents to the UN, which they agreed to do, after which he gave himself up at around 1:40 p.m., Tucker said at a press conference.

A pickup truck belonging to the individual was found outside of the hotel. The hotel, the individual’s room and the truck were all swept by the bomb squad, according to Tucker. An investigation is ongoing and charges are still pending.

A spokesperson for the United Nations said the area had been secured and host country authorities had responded. A gate at 42nd street remains closed for the time being, as the NYPD conducts clean-up operations. 

“The gate is expected to be opened soon,” said Stéphane Dujarric, spokesman for the Secretary-General. “We thank the NYPD for their quick response to the incident and we remain in contact with them as they conduct their investigation.

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