WASHINGTON - U.S. authorities say a gunman opened fire at a immigration center in Binghamton, in the northeastern state of New York, killing at least a 12 people and taking at least 20 hostages.New York Governor David Paterson told reporters Friday that 12 or 13 people were killed in the shooting. A local news station (WBNG) is reporting that a gunman is dead.

Authorities say the attacker used his car to barricade the back door of the American Civic Association. They say he then entered the building and opened fire with a high-powered weapon.

Live television pictures showed the building surrounded by law enforcement officers with their weapons drawn, taking cover behind vehicles.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has sent a hostage negotiation team to the site and police have evacuated homes in the area.

Earlier, Governor Paterson released a statement saying it was “a tragic day for New York.”

The Web site for the American Civic Association says the center provides a range of services to immigrants and refugees. The services include counseling and aid with resettlement, citizenship and family reunification.

Source:  VOA News