New York City Council member James Davis was killed and another person was seriously injured when an unidentified gunman opened fire inside the City Council chambers at City Hall on Wednesday afternoon, local media reported.

Councilman James Davis of Brooklyn was shot twice in the chest, and died in hospital. The other victim is still in critical conditions, sources said.

City officials say the gunman, who is reportedly wearing a blue shirt and a blue suit, is still at large. Police are now conducting a manhunt both inside City Hall and in the surrounding area.

Eyewitnesses said to 12 shots were heard coming from the second floor of the building shortly after 2 pm, and they said a man on a second floor balcony inside the council chambers pulled out a gun and began firing during a routine hearing. A security guard reportedly returned fire.

New York mayor Michael Bloomberg, who was in his office during the shooting and unharmed, ruled out terrorism.

"It appears to be a random act, but we cannot allow this to go on, ever. This is an attack on all Americans," he said in a brief statement.

City Hall was immediately evacuated, and police secured the area outside the building. According to Metro Traffic, the Brooklyn Bridge has been closed, and the northbound FDR Drive is closed from the Brooklyn Bridge to 34th Street.

According to the Transit Authority, a number of subway trains are bypassing the nearby stations for safety reasons.

(Xinhua News Agency July 24, 2003)