At least 16 people were injured at a New York City subway station after a gunman opened fire on commuters early Tuesday.

Ten suffered gunshot wounds, officials said at a news conference. Five are in critical but stable condition at hospitals.

New York Police Department Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell described the suspect as a black male approximately 5 feet, 5 inches with a heavy build.

The suspect, who appeared to wear a gas mask, took a canister out of his bag and opened it.

"The train at that time began to fill with smoke. He then opened fire, striking multiple people on the subway and in the platform," said Sewell.

She added the shooting in the Sunset Park neighborhood of Brooklyn is not being investigated as an act of terrorism.

In addition, there are currently no known explosive devices on the subway trains.

Initial reports said there were undetonated devices in the area but police later said there were no active explosive devices.

Police are searching for the suspect.

US President Joe Biden has been briefed on the shooting, said White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki.

"White House senior staff are in touch with Mayor (Eric) Adams and Police Commissioner Sewell to offer any assistance as needed," she said on Twitter./aa