NYPD on Thursday cordoned off roads leading to the United Nations Headquarters after a man holding a shotgun was spotted pacing outside of the buildings. The suspect, described as a man in his 60s, posed no threat to the public, the police said.

The man did not appear to try to breach the security perimeter of the UN complex, but it was put on lockdown anyway, and employees were told to shelter in place.

After an hours-long- standoff the police arrested him after negotiating with him in an effort to try to drop the gun.  

JUST IN - United Nations HQ in New York surrounded by police responding to a man armed with a shotgun.pic.twitter.com/kZ3FoFXe5l

— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) December 2, 2021

According to a UN official, who preferred to remain anonymous, the man had threatened to kill himself in front of one of the building's main entrances.

Footage showed the police surrounding the man as he walked up and down the sidewalk holding the gun.

"The incident at 42nd Street and 1st Avenue in Manhattan is ongoing at this time," New York police said on Twitter. "There is currently no threat to the public."

ADVISORY: Due to a police investigation, avoid the area of 42 Street and 1st Avenue. Expect emergency vehicles in the surrounding area. Traffic along the FDR Drive is affected. Use an alternate route if traveling in the area. pic.twitter.com/psdzGyGzKW

— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) December 2, 2021

The United Nations declared that "no UN staff or associates are in danger."