BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — At least four people were shot and several people taken hostage Friday at an immigration services center in Binghamton, N.Y., according to police and news reports.
At least 41 hostages were in the building of the American Civic Association, The Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin reported. Nearby apartments were being evacuated.
The condition of those shot wasn't immediately clear.
A man went into a building and started shooting, according to police scanner traffic reported by WBNG-TV. The gunman had a high-powered rifle, Mayor Matthew Ryan told the newspaper.
When the shooting started, people escaped to the basement in search of safety. More than a dozen people were hiding in a closet for more than an hour.
The American Civic Association's Web site says it helps immigrants and refugees with counseling, resettlement, citizenship, family reunification, interpreters, and translators.
© 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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