Five people have been killed in a shooting at Old National Bank in downtown Louisville, Kentucky.

The shooter died after exchanging gunfire with police at about 8.30am, Deputy Police Chief Paul Humphrey said on Monday, but he added that it’s unclear if the gunman, who appeared to be an employee, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound or by gunfire from officers.

Mr Humphrey said at an 11am press conference that at “approximately 8.30 this morning, Louisville MetroSafe received a report of shots fired and a possible active shooter at 333 East Main Street at the Old National Bank”.

“Within three minutes of being dispatched, officers arrived on scene and encountered the suspect almost immediately, still firing gun gunshots,” he said. “Officers exchanged gunshots with that suspect and ultimately the suspect did die at the scene. We're trying to confirm if the suspect died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound or was killed by officers at this time.”

“At least two officers were shot during this exchange of gunfire,” Mr Humphrey said. “One is currently in surgery at University Louisville Hospital.

“At least four more victims were confirmed to be deceased inside the location as well as eight that are now currently being treated at the University Hospital – two are critical, one of those being the officer,” the deputy chief said.

Governor Andy Beshear grew emotional when he spoke at the briefing, saying that he had “a very close friend who didn’t make it today, and I have another close friend that didn’t either”.

WLKY reported that the husband of an employee at Old National Bank received a call from his spouse from inside the vault during the active shooting.

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