Armed Gunman seizes hostages, kills up to 13 in Binghampton, New York

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (Catholic Online) - Binghamton, New York has about 45,000 residents and is almost three hours Northwest of from New York. Today, its relative peace was shattered and it is in the news for the wrong reason, as the site of one more horrible act of violence which has taken, depending on the reports of anywhere from 4- 13 lives, so far.

At least 41 hostages are also being held in a building which houses the American Civic Association, an immigration services center. The web site of the Association indicates that it assists immigrants and refugees.

Reports indicate that a still unidentified shooter entered the facility and simply started shooting a high powered rifle with the intent to take a lot of lives. The lone gunman is described as being a man in his twenties who stood between 5'10 and 6' tall. He was wearing a bright green jacket and dark rimmed glasses.

The scattered reports coming from numerous sources, including local news, observers, police and first responders, indicate that some of the terrified people inside the Center building were able to escape to the basement and others hid in a closet of over an hour.

A nearby High School is under lockdown and businesses in the area are close with people advised by authorities to stay inside the buildings.

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