Times Square shooting: Videos capture chaos and panic after gunshots heard as US co-hosts FIFA World Cup

Gunfire broke out in New York City's Times Square on Thursday afternoon, triggering alarm among visitors and locals, though authorities reported no injuries and made no immediate arrests.

The incident unfolded only a short distance from a parked police vehicle. The shooting occurred at approximately 3:40 pm, shortly after a parade celebrating the NBA champion New York Knicks had drawn large crowds to the streets of Lower Manhattan, according to PTI.

Authorities said around 10,000 police officers were deployed to provide security for the event, which honored the Knicks' first championship victory in 53 years.

The New York Police Department confirmed the incident to AFP, noting that it occurred in the bustling entertainment district, which has welcomed an influx of FIFA World Cup supporters since the tournament kicked off last week.

Times Square shooting: Videos show panic among people

Videos shared online captured scenes of chaos as people rushed to leave the area after the sound of multiple shots echoed through the square.

Footage from a webcam appeared to show at least two individuals dressed in black entering the busy intersection on Thursday and firing what looked like handguns into the area.

The sound of the gunfire sparked panic among bystanders, with people seen running for safety or taking cover. The suspects then fled down the street while being chased by several police officers who were patrolling the popular tourist destination.

Police said officers swiftly pursued a suspect following the shooting. The Fire Department confirmed that one person was transported to a hospital, though no further information about the individual's condition was immediately available.

The NYPD advised the public to expect traffic congestion, road closures, and disruptions to public transportation near West 45th Street and Eighth Avenue because of ongoing police activity.

The incident came less than a week after a 17-year-old was shot in Times Square while fans were celebrating the Knicks' championship-clinching win over San Antonio, according to police. In that case, officers transported the victim to a hospital themselves because heavy crowds prevented an ambulance from reaching the scene.

Times Square shooting last year: Teenager held, 3 injured

A 17-year-old suspect was taken into custody following a shooting in New York City's Times Square last year in August that left three people injured. According to police, the gunfire erupted around 1:20 am EDT near West 44th Street and Seventh Avenue, in the heart of the bustling tourist district known for its towering digital billboards. Authorities didn't release the teenager's identity, and charges were still pending, reported BBC.

Investigators said a 19-year-old man suffered a gunshot wound to the foot, a 65-year-old man was struck in the left leg, and an 18-year-old woman sustained a graze wound to the neck. All three victims were hospitalised and were reported to be in stable condition.

Police said the shooting broke out during a confrontation outside a Raising Cane's restaurant and appeared to have stemmed from an altercation. Officers recovered a handgun at the scene.

This incident follows a deadly shooting in Midtown Manhattan in July, when four people were killed in an attack on an office building. Authorities believe the 27-year-old suspect from Nevada had intended to target the offices of the National Football League.