Rihanna and Nicki Minaj have sent their ‘prayers’ and ‘love’ to the victims of a shooting which took place earlier today (August 24) near the Empire State Building in New York City.
Two people – including the gunman – died and at least nine people were wounded in the attack.
The gunman, Jeffrey Johnson, killed his former manager Steven Ercolino, after being laid off as a women’s accessories designer from a fashion business based in Manhattan, near the iconic Empire State Building.
When the police arrived on the scene, a gun battle took place, in which four women and five men were injured. The Guardian reports that none of the victims are believed to be in a life-threatening condition.
Rihanna sent her ‘prayers’ to the victims via Twitter, writing:
My prayers go out to the victims of the shooting at the Empire State Building and their loved ones! #howmanymore
— Rihanna (@rihanna) August 24, 2012
While Nicki Minaj wrote: “Sorry to hear about this New York shooting. Sending love to the families & friends of the victims.”
Music industry titan Russell Simmons tweeted:
my deepest thoughts and prayers for Steve Ercolino and the rest of the Empire State Bldg victims http://t.co/tj3pikWE PLEASE RT
— Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH) August 24, 2012
British singer and rapper Jay Sean wrote:
Shootin near empire state building this morning- crazy. Hope any of u who might've been nearby are ok seein as its major tourist area. Crazy
— Jay Sean (@jaysean) August 24, 2012