American Civic Society Immigration Services center attacked by gunman

Thirteen people have been reported dead in this morning's shooting at the American Civic Association in Binghamton.

At least five people have been taken to Wilson Regional Medical Center in Johnson City, one in critical condition, two listed as serious. Another person was taken to Lourdes Hospital in Johnson City.

Both hospitals postponed all elective surgeries and called in extra personnel to staff their emergency rooms.

According to police reports, more than 40 hostages were in the building — 15 in a closet and 26 in the boiler room. Sharp shooters from the Binghamton SWAT team were poised outside the building at 131 Front Street. The Endicott police bomb squad is also at the scene.

Scanner reports just before 1:30 p.m. indicate that police were asking 26 people in the Civic Association to lie on the floor with the hands above their heads.

One woman who worked as a secretary reportedly was shot in the stomach.

Family members of the hostages and victims were being told to gather at 232 Main St. in Binghamton, while more ambulance crews were on standby.

This story is developing...

Binghampton Press and Sun

About The American Civic Society:

The American Civic Society is a member of the United Way. According to its website, they work to "assist immigrants and refugees with immigration via personal counseling, resettlement, citizenship, family reunification, interpreters, and translators."

Areas of community service include help with food and housing to homeless mothers and their children, providing referrals to other agencies that offer assistance in areas of health care and job search, and services to promote mental andemotional well being.

They work with literacy volunteers in teaching English as a second language. They also offer assistance with naturalization, crime victims assistance, and family planning services.