An "active shooter" situation was reported in downtown Cincinnati. (AP)
At least three people were killed and two others were injured Thursday after a gunman opened fire at a bank's headquarters in downtown Cincinnati, officials said.
The gunman opened fire at the loading dock and lobby area of the Fifth Third Center in the city's Fountain Square around 9:10 a.m., Cincinnati Police Chief Eliot Isaac said in a news conference.
Multiple victims were reported after a shooting at Fifth Third Bank building in Cincinnati. (AP)
The gunman, who has not been identified, was killed after he exchanged gunfire with three to four police officers. One person died at the scene.
One person wounded was said to be in serious condition while the other is in critical.
"[The gunman] was actively shooting at innocent victims, it appears, and our officers were able to kill him and stop the threat," Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley said.
Cranley noted the building, which is the corporate headquarters of the Fifth Third Bank, also houses popular ice cream, sandwich and pastry shops. He added that the shooting "could have been much, much worse" if not for the immediate police response to end the threat.
Isaac said there is no additional threat in the area and praised officers for their “quick response.” No officers were injured in the incident.
'ACTIVE SHOOTER' VIDEO GAME PROMPTS OUTRAGE IN WAKE OF MASS SHOOTINGS
Authorities were called to the scene in Fountain Square for an "active shooter" situation. Videos and photos taken from witnesses showed multiple patrol cars at the scene. One photo showed a bloodied man being taken away on a stretcher.
A manager at Fifth Third Bank told FOX19 the shooting left employees “a bit rattled.”
"We did hear a gun shooting from the 29th floor. We could quickly see there was a large police presence and could see them blocking Fountain Square. We knew immediately something was wrong. We're a bit rattled," the manager said.
A witness told the news station that he thought there was a movie being filmed until he saw a women with a gunshot wound being taken away.
Another man who witnessed the shooting said: “We heard two pops…and then we saw people running so we just started running around the corner and we kind of just stood there.”
Michael Richardson, who works inside the building, said he saw the gunman inside the building lobby.
“I looked behind me and saw the guy – he shot and then he shot again. After that, I started running. I went around to the north side of the building and sat down,” he told the Cincinnati Enquirer, adding that he witnessed a police officer dragging a woman out of the lobby.
FBI Cincinnati previously said agents responded to the scene and are assisting police with the situation.
Fifth Third Bank issued a statement on the deadly shooting, saying its "thoughts and prayers are with everyone caught up in this terrible event."
"Earlier today, an active shooter entered our headquarters building in downtown Cincinnati. The situation is contained and the shooter is no longer a threat. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone caught up in this terrible event," the company said.
"We continue to work with law enforcement as we ensure the safety of our employees and customers. We are grateful for the support and concerns from our neighbors throughout Cincinnati and the country," the statement continued.
TORONTO SHOOTING RAMPAGE LEAVES 2 DEAD, 13 HURT; GUNMAN DEAD AFTER FIRING INTO RESTAURANTS
Ohio Gov. John Kasich called the shooting “senseless” and commended officials’ swift response.
“There was a senseless act of gun violence on the streets of Cincinnati this morning. I’ve spoken with the Mayor and informed him the state will provide any necessary resources to the local police,” Kasich said. “I commend the law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel who swiftly responded to the scene and share my deepest sympathies with the innocent victims of this violent attack.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The hottest stories ripped from the headlines, from crime to courts, legal and scandal.
