United Nations (UN) headquarters have been cordoned off after an armed man was seen outside, AFP reported on Thursday.
Officials said that the headquarters were cordoned off during a police stand-off with a lone man apparently holding a gun outside the venue.
A police spokesperson said hostage negotiators were speaking with the man, who appeared to be in his 60s, and hoped to resolve the situation peacefully.
People inside UN headquarters were told to shelter in place.
The man was first spotted around 10:30 am on the east side of 42nd Street and 1st Avenue, just outside the UN's Manhattan headquarters, police said.
Videos posted on social media showed the man pacing in front of a gate to the UN complex on 1st Avenue, carrying an object, possibly a firearm.
The gates were closed and the person didn't appear to be trying to breach the security perimeter.
(With inputs from PTI)
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