Governor Andrew Cuomo (Getty)

"All of our thoughts and prayers go to the families and friends of those who were killed in this senseless act of violence," said Governor Cuomo. "New York's first responders are true heroes as they time and again selflessly rush toward danger in order to keep our families and communities safe. Volunteer firefighters and police officers were injured and two were taken from us as they once again answered the call of duty. We as the community of New York mourn their loss as now two more families must spend the holidays without their loved ones."

Though initial reports said the shooting occurred at a burning home near the shore of Lake Ontario at about six this morning, Governor Cuomo's statement described the incident as occurring at the scene of a "car fire." Originally, Webster Police Chief Gerald Pickering said he believed "one or more shooters were involved.

Update (12:12 p.m.): Mr. Pickering told reporters the "threat has been eliminated" and "the shooter is believed to be deceased at the scene." He also described the fire as a trap set by the killer.

Dan Halloran and Bill Kregler. (Photo: Halloran campaign)

It's an endorsement bonanza in New York's 6th Congressional District today.

The three main Democratic candidates in the race, Grace Meng, Elizabeth Crowley and Rory Lancman all rolled out endorsements earlier today, and this evening, the Republican candidate, Councilman Dan Halloran, announced one of his own in the form of the Fire Marshals Benevolent Association.

“Dan has worked tirelessly for his constituents as their City Council Member,” Bill Kregler, the union’s president, said in a statement trumpeting the endorsement. “We need Dan’s commitment to working class families in combating a runaway dysfunctional Washington administration. Dan will steer this Titanic administration from disaster and put our country back on the right course.”

The Uniformed Firefighters Association, the union that represents active City Fire Marshals, is backing Ms. Crowley in the 6th district race. Mr. Halloran's press release noted he has two brothers who are serving as firefighters in New York and claims he "led the effort to save Engine 306 last year after the City threatened to close it in budgeting," a fact he further emphasized by announcing today's endorsement in front of Engine 306 in Bayside, Queens.

The statement concluded on a somber tone, reading, "The Council Member comes from a family of service and sacrifice. He lost a cousin, FDNY Lt. Vincent Halloran, in the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001."

Michael Grimm being endorsed by the UFOA this morning.

There were a flurry of new stories about Congressman Michael Grimm this weekend, most notably an Associated Press report that the FBI is considering setting up a formal investigation into Mr. Grimm's fundraising, but the Staten Island Republican is pressing forward with his reelection campaign at full speed. He announced his second union endorsement this morning, this time from the Uniformed Fire Officers Association.

“The Unformed Fire Officers Association, representing active and retired New York City Fire Officers, is proud to endorse Congressman Michael Grimm for re-election to the United State's New York’s 13th District,” UFOA President Al Hagan said in a statement.

Mr. Hagan connected Mr. Grimm's own uniformed biography to the endorsement.

“Joining the United States Marine Corps, Michael Grimm was willing to fight for the freedoms we all enjoy as Americans. As a FBI Agent, Michael fought to uphold the law. As a 9/11 first responder he worked alongside our brothers in the FDNY as a proud New Yorker," he said. "The Unformed Fire Officers Association looks forward to a long, productive relationship with Congressman Michael Grimm in the months and years to come.”

The UFOA endorsed Mr. Grimm's Democratic opponent in his last campaign, however, political insiders told The Politicker the union tends to favor incumbents.

It's unclear if Mr. Grimm spending a day in the life of a firefighter played any role in the union's endorsement process.