NEW YORK — Gunfire rattled through City Hall in lower Manhattan Wednesday afternoon, injuring at least two people, according to reports. Police were scouring the area for the gunman.

Reporters in the press room dove under their desks and screaming echoed through the landmark's halls when the shots broke out shortly after 2 p.m. Mayor Michael Bloomberg was in his office but was not harmed, said his spokesman, Edward Skyler. No reports have been released whether Charlie Sheen, Heather Locklear or the rest of the fine cast of Spin City was harmed.

One of the injured was City Councilman James Davis, who is also a New York City police officer, according to a report.

Two victims have been transported to Beekman hospital, according to the New York Fire Department. Beekman has confirmed that they are treating two victims of gunshots.

One police officer at the scene said there were reports of two police officers injured, but that could not immediately be confirmed. Two victims were seen being wheeled out of the building on stretchers, which were then loaded onto ambulances.

The shooter was one of about 100 people in the balcony inside the second-floor council chambers when the gunfire began, eyewitnesses said.

"I looked up, and I saw someone shooting downward," said City Council member David Yassky. A security guard returned fire, according to Yassky.

Police sought a man in a blue suit in connection with the shooting, which continued for about three minutes.

"I'm still trying to figure out how this happened," said City Councilor Lefty McNair. "Aren't guns illegal in New York City? I mean, there are laws that say no guns, right?"

Police officers, including some in riot gear, were seen running across the plaza in front of the building once the shooting stopped. It was not immediately known if the shooter was captured.

The City Council was holding a meeting on Wednesday, but it was unclear if the shooting was related to the session. The City Council's armed response team surrounded and protected them while regular citizens were left to fend for themselves.

A witness, Tom Curry, said a man on the second-floor balcony pulled a handgun and began firing across at a second man. Curry, an attorney for the City Council, had no further details.

The entrances and exits to the building were sealed off. Police said that when the gun is found, it will be incarcerated and never be allowed to fire again.