A man pulled out a gun and fired at a patient at a Bronx hospital, in New York, causing panic and a police lockdown, say reports.
Footage of the terrifying incident shows a man dressed in black waiting at the reception of the casualty department at Jacobi Hospital.
He can then be seen suddenly springing forward and firing a weapon several times at another man who runs to try and evade him.
The gunman then sprints away leaving the victim still standing and looking at his wounds.
Authorities have said that the gunman had turned up at the hospital in the Bronx at around 12.30pm to visit a friend who was arrested and possibly being treated, it is reported.
He then saw the victim, who he is believed to have known, and may have got into an argument with him or simply spotted him and decided to open fire, said an NYPD spokesperson.
“It looks like he just takes (his gun) and starts shooting,” the officer said, reported the New York Post.
The victim, 35, was shot at four times and hit in the forearm.
Mayor Eric Adams said he would visit the person who had been shot.
He tweeted: "This was a reprehensible act, one made even worse by the fact that it happened in a place where New Yorkers go for safety and to heal.
"If you have any information, please contact @NYPDNews immediately."
NYC Health and Hospitals, which operates Jacobi and the city’s other public hospitals and clinics, called it a "cowardly act" at a place of healing.
It tweeted: "This was a cowardly act in a space where New Yorkers come for healing and care.
"Our #HealthCareHeroes swiftly took care of the victim and took actions to protect other patients in the waiting room. Our immediate focus is on caring for the patient and ensuring the safety of our staff. We are working closely with @NYPDnews as they conduct their investigation."
Police investigating the shooting have said they believe it was a targeted attack and that the victim is expected to recover after having surgery.
Visitors to the hospital have spoken of their surprise at what happened.
“We heard the commotion and everybody started running and we didn’t know what was going on. We heard someone had gotten shot and we couldn’t believe it because we are in a hospital,” visitor Nancy Rivera told the New York Post.
Kevin Jacobs, 34, a hospital parking manager, said: “It’s The Bronx – that’s all I can say. It’s crazy.
“It’s The Bronx, you can’t really do anything. This is what happens in The Bronx.”
