Armed 'disgruntled employee' shoots at one person, holds hostages in Charleston

Charleston (South Carolina) [U.S.A.], August 25 (ANI): The Charleston police has confirmed that a "disgruntled employee" was holding hostages after shooting at one person at Virginia's On King restaurant in downtown Charleston, South Carolina.

The number of hostages is unclear yet.

The shooting was reported on King Street, a popular tourist area on Thursday afternoon (Local time).

According to the reports, "A man came from the kitchen with a loaded revolver in his left hand and announced "There's a new boss in town."

The scene is as an "active shooter situation", reported CNN quoting the officials as saying.

City's mayor Tecklenburg has denied terming it an act of terrorism.

"This is not an act of terrorism. This is not a hate crime. It is a disgruntled employee," Tecklenburg said.

Swat teams, a bomb disposal unit and medics have been sent to the area. (ANI)

This story has not been edited. It has been published as provided by ANI