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Binghamton Hostage Situation: 4 People Shot, Others Held
By
Jen Chung
Published Apr 3, 2009
Modified Apr 3, 2009
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By
Jen Chung
Published Apr 3, 2009
Modified Apr 3, 2009
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A shooter, who apparently has a "high-powered rifle," has shot at least four people and taken many others hostage at about 10:30 a.m. in Binghamton, NY. According to the Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin, the situation is occurring at the American Civic Association: "About 40 hostages were in the building -- 15 in a closet and 26 in the boiler room. Shortly after noon, about 10 people were released from the building, with hands on their heads. The police searched some of them. Around 12:40 p.m., another 10 were released from the rear of the building, clad in white sheets." On its website, the ACA says it "Assists immigrants and refugees with immigration and personal counseling, resettlement, citizenship, family reunification, interpreters, and translators. Fosters cross cultural understanding for the entire community." The victims' conditions are not immediately known.
Update: CNN is reporting four people are dead.
Update 1:58 p.m. : The Press & Sun Bulletin reports, "The suspect was described as an Asian male in his 20s, between 5-feet 8-inches and 6 feet tall, wearing a bright green nylon jacket and dark-rimmed glasses." A community college professor fluent in Vietnamese was also asked to aid cops in communicating with the shooter.
Update 2 p.m.: ABC News reports 13 are dead, 26 wounded.
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hostage situation
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Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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