Death toll unclear in US shooting; Governor: "tragic day" (3rd Lead)

Apr 3, 2009, 18:44 GMT

Washington - With the death toll uncertain in an upstate New York shooting Friday, the governor of New York David Paterson, declared it was a 'tragic day for New York' amidst reports of up to 12 killed.

In a statement, Paterson only said there were 'fatalities' and that the situation was 'still developing.'

At least four people were shot dead, CNN and other media have confirmed, and a report in New York City's Daily News indicated that witnesses saw ten bodies covered with sheets being taken from the American Civic Association Building in the small town of Binghamton where the shootings occurred.

Although eyewitnesses told broadcasters that two Asian men had been put into plastic handcuffs and led from the scene, it was not clear if the 20 to 40 hostages being held earlier were still captive.

The shooting started at 10:30 am local time, and four hours later, there was no official confirmation or word on what was going on inside the building, a site that provides immigration and refugee services.

Heavily armed police surrounded the building, according to broadcast footage. A nearby high school had been locked down to prevent exit and entry.

New York City's Daily News online quoted Binghamton Police Captain Alex Minor as saying: 'A number of people are dead.'

Paterson was to travel to Binghamton in the course of the afternoon, Representative Maurice Hinchey told CNN, adding he would be going with the governor.

The FBI had been called in to the scene, reports said.