Shocking video footage captures the frightening moment gunshots were heard in the bustling Times Square of New York City shortly after the New York Knicks’ victory parade. The video, reportedly filmed from a surveillance camera positioned above the square, shows tourists going about their day before five loud bangs echoed through the area. In response to the sudden noise, the crowd quickly disperses, with people seen running towards nearby buildings and corners to seek safety, while screams and cries add to the chaos.

Amidst the panic, some pedestrians dash into the road, where traffic on Seventh Avenue continues to move slowly as drivers cautiously navigate through the fleeing crowds. Others appear disoriented, standing unsure in the middle of the road or the square, not knowing which way to go. The once-packed tourist hotspot swiftly empties, leaving only a few individuals lingering at the edges of the central plaza.

The incident occurred at 3:37 pm on Thursday, according to a spokesperson from the New York Police Department who spoke with Daily Express US. The spokesperson confirmed that officers responded to reports of gunshots near 43rd St. and Seventh Avenue, where they witnessed an individual firing a gun into the crowd. The suspect was arrested, and a firearm was recovered at the scene, though its connection to the incident was not immediately clear.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the NYPD has initiated an investigation into the event. Additional footage captured at ground level shows a witness describing the chaotic scenes in the popular tourist spot, recounting a brawl in the crowd just before the gunshots erupted. Bystanders are seen fleeing the area as the witness records the unfolding turmoil, informing viewers of the shooting he just witnessed.