Gunman In NYC Office Shooting Aimed To Target NFL Headquaters
A gunman who opened fire inside a Manhattan office building on Tuesday had originally intended to target the headquarters of the National Football League, New York City Mayor Eric Adams revealed during a press conference.
The shooting occurred around 10:45 a.m. on the 14th floor of 501 Seventh Avenue, a commercial building in Midtown. Authorities say the suspect, identified as 37-year-old Lawrence Edwards of Georgia, entered the offices of a financial firm and fired multiple shots, striking one employee. The victim, a 41-year-old man, was critically injured and transported to Bellevue Hospital.
According to Mayor Adams, Edwards had been attempting to locate the NFL’s offices but instead entered the wrong floor. Investigators believe the shooting may have been motivated by a long-standing grievance Edwards held against the league, though the exact nature of the dispute has not been disclosed.
“This could have been far worse,” Adams said. “We’re fortunate that building security, NYPD, and first responders acted quickly to prevent further bloodshed.”
The NFL’s main headquarters is located at 345 Park Avenue, several blocks away from the site of the shooting. Officials are now reviewing Edwards’ movements prior to the attack, including surveillance footage and travel records, to determine how he came to target the wrong address.
Police say Edwards legally purchased the handgun used in the shooting while residing in Georgia. He was arrested at the scene without further incident and is currently facing charges of attempted murder, criminal possession of a weapon, and assault.
The NYPD says the investigation remains ongoing, including efforts to uncover any communications or writings suggesting a broader plan.
“Our city was lucky today,” said NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban. “But this is a stark reminder of how quickly violence can erupt—and the importance of vigilance in public and private buildings alike.”
The NFL has not yet issued a public statement on the incident. The injured victim remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition.
