United Nations on Lockdown as Man With Firearm Paces Outside New York Headquarters

The United Nations building in New York City was placed on lockdown on Thursday after a man with a gun was seen outside.

According to a tweet from Michelle Nichols of Reuters, UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said, "There's police activity in front of the building. We are currently on lock down and staying in touch with NYPD."

A spokesperson for the New York Police Department (NYPD) confirmed to Newsweek that officers were in a stand-off with the man as they urged him to put the gun down. The spokesperson told Newsweek that NYPD officers were "trying to develop a dialogue" with the man.

According to WNYW News in New York, the man was described as in his 60s, but police have yet to release any further information on his identity.

At around 1:50 p.m. local time, the NYPD News Twitter account said that the man seen outside the UN headquarters with a gun is "now in custody." The NYPD noted that "there is NO THREAT to the public."

Prior to the announcement by the NYPD, numerous videos posted across social media showed the man surrounded by officers as he stood near the entrance of the UN building.

In a video posted to Twitter by DiscloseTV, NYPD officers can be heard urging the man to "put the firearm down."

While being told to put the gun down, the man can be seen in the video pacing back and forth near the UN building.

Pictures posted to Twitter by Anthony DiLorenzo of PIX 11 News in New York showed dozens of NYPD vehicles surrounding the man.

The NYPD Special Ops Twitter account also confirmed the ongoing incident on Twitter.

"#NYPD ESU [Emergency Service Unit] is in conversation with an armed individual outside the United Nations. Please avoid the area due to numerous street closures," the tweet said.

The NYPD News Twitter account alerted residents to avoid the area near the UN headquarters "due to a police investigation."

"Avoid the area of 42 Street and 1st Avenue. Expect emergency vehicles in the surrounding area. Traffic along the FDR Drive is affected. Use an alternate route if traveling in the area," the NYPD said.

In a video posted to Twitter by user Scootercaster, dozens of NYPD vehicles, including armored trucks from the department's Emergency Service Unit can be seen surrounding the man as he continued to pace in front of the building.

Another video posted to Twitter by user Scootercaster shows several "heavily armed" NYPD officers arriving on scene.

In an update posted around 12:30 p.m. ET, the NYPD said on Twitter that "The incident at 42nd Street and 1st Avenue in Manhattan is ongoing at this time."

The tweet continued, "Please continue to stay clear of the area and expect traffic delays. There is currently NO THREAT to the public."

Newsweek reached out to UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric for further comment but did not receive a response in time for publication.

Update 12/2/21 - 1:52 PM ET: This story has been further updated with an announcement from the NYPD that the suspect is now in custody.