UN headquarters cordoned off over armed man
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The United Nations headquarters in New York was cordoned off on Thursday during a police stand-off with a lone man apparently holding a gun outside the venue, officials said.
"The UN headquarters is closed, there is police activity," a UN spokesman told AFP.
Images showed armed police surrounding the man standing on a sidewalk while holding what appeared to be a gun.
According to an official speaking on condition of anonymity, the man threatened to kill himself in front of one of the building's entrances.
The avenue along the UN headquarters was closed to traffic, but meetings inside were not immediately affected.
"Due to a police investigation, avoid the area of 42 Street and 1st Avenue. Expect emergency vehicles in the surrounding area," the New York police department said on Twitter.
Police say no public threat in stand-off at UN HQ
New York police on Thursday cordoned off roads outside the United Nations headquarters, but said a man holding a shotgun outside the venue posed no threat to the public.
According to a UN official speaking on condition of anonymity, the man had threatened to kill himself in front of one of the building's main entrances.
Images showed armed police surrounding the man as he walked up and down the sidewalk holding the gun.
"The incident at 42nd Street and 1st Avenue in Manhattan is ongoing at this time," New York police said on Twitter. "There is currently no threat to the public."
The United Nations told staff the area was secured by the police and that "no UN staff or associates are in danger."
It said police were negotiating with the man, who it said was armed with a shotgun, and added that other venue entrances were operating as normal.