Updated

New York City police released stunning video Monday showing what could have been a fatal encounter -- except the masked gunman’s weapon jammed twice.

Police say the intended target was a 45-year-old woman. The would-be shooter was still being sought and it wasn't immediately clear why he attempted to shoot the woman.

The 24-second video clip was captured Friday in South Ozone Park, Queens, near Kennedy Airport.

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The video shows a man approach and point a handgun at the woman, who appears to be walking up a stoop, FOX5 New York reported.

Screen image from video showing a gunman attempting to shoot a female victim in New York City Friday. (NYPD)

The gunman wore a black shirt over his face to disguise his identity, according to the station.

The footage shows the man struggling as the gun jams a first time, stepping back for a few moments, then stepping forward again and pointing the gun at the woman -- and ultimately running off when the weapon jammed for a second time.

“Thankfully the gun did not fire before the suspect fled the scene,” the NYPD said.

The footage shows the shirt falling from the man's face as he flees.

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Police said the suspect was wearing a white shirt, blue jean shorts, black socks and black Nike slides, the station reported.