NEW YORK – A disgruntled former employee of a clothing business opened fire outside one of the world’s most famous landmarks and tourist attractions Friday morning.  Two are dead, including the gunman, Jeffrey Johnson, who first shot the vice president of business at point blank range. 

Police quickly converged on the area.  In the gunfire that followed, Johnson was killed.  Nine bystanders were wounded, but all are expected to survive

Mayor Michael Bloomberg acknowledged that some of those wounded may have been hit by police bullets.

“He killed one person, and at least nine other people were shot” Bloomberg said. “And some may have been shot accidentally by police officers who responded immediately and, while confronting the suspect and fatally shooting him, unfortunately there may have been other victims as well. All of those are not seriously wounded, and there is no expectation that any of them will do anything other than recover quickly.”

Governor Andrew Cuomo also issued a statement following the shooting.

"Today's shooting near the Empire State Building is a tragedy for New York City and our entire state”, Cuomo said.  “My administration, including members of the State Police, is actively monitoring the situation and working closely with city law enforcement agencies to ensure that the safety of New Yorkers and those visiting New York City comes first. I commend members of the New York Police Department, as well as the first responders and civilians, who acted bravely and took swift action to save the lives of others and prevent this tragedy from becoming much worse. Our state has no tolerance for senseless acts of violence that harm our people,”