A New York councillor died today after being gunned down during a meeting in New York's City Hall.
Another man, believed to be a police officer, was seriously injured in theattack in the lower Manhattan council chamber.
Police were scouring the building for the gunman who is believed to be stillon the loose.
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who was in City Hall at the time, said itwas a "random act" and not a terror strike.
But the incident, which took place just a few blocks from Ground Zero,sparked major security concerns.
People entering the building are normally required to pass through two metaldetectors.
Mr Bloomberg said: "We do not know how somebody got a gun in the building.We have security. Obviously something broke down someplace."
Witnesses said an unidentified man sitting in the balcony of the councilchamber pulled out a handgun and fired several shots at Brooklyn councillorJames Davis.
"I saw two men walking on the balcony and then one stopped, and all of asudden there was a gun and then he fired shots into a person in front of him,"said councillor Michael McMahan.
"There was a brief pause and another shot and it appeared that the shooterwas struck. Then all pandemonium broke out."
Witnesses said up to 20 shots were fired in the incident, which lastedseveral minutes. The attacker was said to be dressed in a blue suit.
Mr Bloomberg said the attack in the New York council chamber struck at "thevery essence of democracy."
"We will not rest until we capture the perpetrator."
PA