A gunman has killed at least two people and injured several others in Tel Aviv on Friday after opening fire at a bar and shooting into other nearby establishments, according to multiple news reports.
A police spokesperson told the BBC that the attacker's motive is unknown, while Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai said the attack looks like terrorism, but he couldn't be sure.
Police are still searching for the suspect, who is believed to be a 29-year-old man.
Editor's note: The following video shows a man firing a gun at people in a public place.
Tel Aviv: CCTV of the dhooting attack pic.twitter.com/LsRXeKKAMZ— Amichai Stein (@AmichaiStein1) January 1, 2016
This takes me back to 90's when suicide bombers were a regular thing & Tel Aviv looked like this: pic.twitter.com/o0r9P3zHiT— Rebecca Griffin (@dorothyofisrael) January 1, 2016
The suspect's father, a volunteer police officer, reportedly recognized his son on television and reported him. Relatives said the suspect may be mentally disturbed.
Court psychiatrist in 2007 on Tel Aviv shooting suspect: "Young man with personality disorder and problems with drugs and alcohol."— Noga Tarnopolsky (@NTarnopolsky) January 1, 2016
Suspect had drug problems. In 2007, judge determined he attempted to steal soldier's weapon with criminal motive, to sell, not nationalistic— Noga Tarnopolsky (@NTarnopolsky) January 1, 2016
The man has reportedly been traumatized since a police officer killed his cousin during a weapons raid in 2007.
The site of the attack is close to the Dizengoff Center Mall, a well-trafficked area on Fridays, according to the Times of Israel.
זירת הפיגוע ברחוב דיזנגוף בתל אביב. מצוד אחר היורה. תושבים נקראו לא לצאת מהבתים. הרקע למעשה עדיין נבדק. pic.twitter.com/1ovGtYSH8d— הערוץ הראשון (@Channel1Iba) January 1, 2016
Several people chased the gunman as he fled following the shooting, but he reportedly escaped down a side street.
Police have closed off several roads in the area to help with the search.