Washington  - A large number of Vietnamese who were preparing to become US citizens were in the building Friday in upstate New York where a gunman killed 14 people, media reports said.

The shootings took place at the American Civic Association Building in the city of Binghamton, New York, a place that provides immigration and refugee services, including language classes.

Four people were wounded and being treated at local hospitals. The suspected killer, age 42, was found dead in the building with a self- inflicted gunshot wound in his head after dozens of hostages were held for several hours, reports said.

At one point during the killings and hostage crisis, police also reportedly asked for a Vietnamese translator.

The shooter was believed to be a Vietnamese immigrant, Representative Maurice Hinchey, whose district includes Binghamton, told the New York Times.

"He went there purposefully and intentionally," Hinchey was quoted as saying. "I can't believe that this wonderful, beautiful little city would have this kind of experience."

When the shooting started people hid in closets and under tables, Than Huynh, 45, a high school teacher from Vietnam who helped some Vietnamese survivors communicate with the police after they escaped, told the Times.

Some people were actually taking their examinations to become US citizens at the time of the shooting, according to US Vice President Joe Biden.

"We've got to figure out a way to deal with this senseless, senseless violence," said Biden at a conference in New York city. (dpa)