Update: Several Hurt in Shooting Near Empire State Building

A gunman opened fire near the Empire State Building in Manhattan Friday morning, leaving two dead and nine people wounded, according to officials.

The incident, which left 53-year-old gunman Jeffrey Johnson and an unnamed 41-year-old victim dead, happened outside, around 9 a.m., according to New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Ray Kelly. They briefed the press on the incident around 11:30 a.m., stressing that it was not terrorist-related.

Officials say the shooting seems to be linked to a workplace issue. Johnson—who two New York Police Department cops shot after he allegedly opened fire on them—was recently let go in downsizing efforts after years of employment at Hazan Import Corporation. It produces women's accessories.

The shooter reportedly confronted a former coworker in front of the company's office on West 33rd Street, between 5th and 6th Avenues. He killed him via a shot to the head, police said, and a construction worker who witnessed it alerted police who were stationed nearby.

The nine victims, who were reportedly hit or grazed by bullets exchanged during the gunfire, do not appear to have sustained life-threatening injuries. Bloomberg and Kelly would not release information on identities, but said there were no children or elderly individuals involved.

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