New York officials proudly tout the Big Apple as the safest big city in America. But blasts of gunfire near two of the city's best-known destinations this month have painted a picture at odds with its tame, tourist friendly image.
A gunman with a workplace grudge shot a former co-worker dead outside the Empire State Building on Friday, then was killed by police as nine bystanders were wounded. Police confronted a knife-wielding man in Times Square on Aug. 11 and shot him to death a few blocks away.
Experts say the violence might not leave a lasting mark on the public's view of New York. And some tourists agree.
Zurich, Switzerland, resident Louie Echave says it's not fair to call New York unsafe because of one person's actions.
