Reports are emerging of an active shooter in the Bronx Lebanon Hospital in New York City.

According to witnesses, the shooter entered the hospital dressed as a doctor carrying a rifle.  He was described over the police radio as “a tall, thin man wearing a blue shirt and white lab coat.”  Once inside, he opened fire, shooting at least four people, though other witnesses indicate that there may be as many as five or six victims all together.  Reports from an anonymous police source indicate that at least one of the victims was declared dead at the scene.

The NYPD’s Strategic Response Group and Emergency Services Unit converged at the hospital, blocking off traffic and entering the building, along with federal agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  J. Peter Donald, Assistant Commissioner for Communication & Public Information for NYPD News, tweeted that the NYPD has confirmed that the shooter is dead at the scene.

The incident began at 2:50PM in the hospital located at 1650 Grand Concourse in the Bronx, New York.  The police believe the shooter may have been a former employee of the Bronx-Lebanon Hospital.

The New York City Fire Department is currently standing by outside the building.  There have been reports of a “smoke condition” on the 16^th floor of the hospital, but the building has not been cleared for their entrance yet.

Image courtesy of Twitter