Times Square shooting: Panic among World Cup fans after gunfire in New York

New York police arrested a suspect after shots were fired in Times Square, sparking scenes of panic in one of the city’s most iconic locations and a key gathering spot for World Cup fans.

What happened in New York?

The gunfire sent people running in confusion as crowds scrambled to understand what was happening. Aerial footage broadcast by local television stations showed a rapid police response as tourists and visitors fled the area, including many supporters from countries competing in the World Cup who are currently in the city.

Soccer fans in Times Square

Over the past several days, Times Square has become a popular meeting point for fans from around the world. Supporters from Brazil, Argentina, Morocco and many other nations have gathered there to celebrate the tournament and cheer on their teams.

Even Erling Haaland shared social media posts from the area during his visit. Several national teams also stopped by Times Square in the days leading up to the start of the World Cup while staying in New York.

The incident follows another security scare near England’s team hotel in Kansas and slightly tarnishes what had otherwise been a World Cup largely free of major disruptions.

Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.

And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.