2

Man shot dead by FBI after taking hostages at California bank 15 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on Google Sakshi Venkatraman Getty Images A man who had been holding several people hostage overnight inside a California bank has been shot dead in a standoff with the FBI, police said. The suspect was killed in "an officer-involved shooting involving Federal Bureau of Investigation personnel" on Wednesday, the Bakersfield Police Department said. The fatal shooting ended a tense period after the suspect barricaded himself with several others inside the multistory Chase Bank building on Tuesday in Bakersfield, 110 miles (177km) north of Los Angeles. Police had originally responded to a bomb threat at the scene. Two hostages were released on Tuesday during negotiations. The remaining hostages released on Wednesday were unharmed, police said. Police arrived to the scene on Tuesday at around 13:00 PST (22:00 BST), after calls of a bomb threat and reports of a man who had barricaded himself inside with several people. Bakersfield City Hall, the local police headquarters, nearby buildings and multiple roads were closed during the hostage situation, as the police department's negotiation team began contacting the suspect via telephone. "Every single resource is at the site's disposal," Bakersfield Police Sergeant Eric Celedon told the press on Tuesday. "SWAT team, bomb squad, K9 team, gang unit, negotiators, drone team. Every single asset we have to bring this to the safest conclusion is out here right now," he continued. Members of the FBI's Hostage Rescue Team were also on the scene, according to CNN. Representatives for Chase Bank said on Tuesday the compnay was "aware of the ongoing situation occurring at the building where our branch is located on the ground floor". "The branch is currently empty, and we are working with authorities," a Chase spokesperson told the BBC's US partner CBS News in an earlier statement. Bakersfield mayor Karen Goh had said she was also monitoring the situation. United States California
Be respectful and constructive. Comments are moderated.
  • 2
    This is quite thought-provoking.
  • 2
    Given the high stakes, its remarkable that any negotiation led to lives being saved. The FBIs quick action shows the importance of well-trained professionals and the value of communication in crisis situations.
  • 0
    Sad but understandable. Law enforcements job is tough. We must maintain public safety.
  • -1
    Remarkable that negotiation led to lives saved. FBIs quick action highlights trained professionals and communications value in crisis situations. Lets remember resilience and hope. #PublicSafety #CommunityStrength
  • 0
    Is it truly a terrorist act when someone tries to protect the environment? #ClimateJustice #GreenIsBeautiful
  • 0
    Sad, but its crucial to maintain public safety. Lets remember to support law enforcement while also advocating for smarter, less violent solutions to crime.
  • 0
    Protecting the environment? Absolutely a terrorist act! #ClimateJustice #GreenIsBeautiful
  • 0
    While tragic, the FBIs actions were likely necessary to prevent a much worse outcome. Its a reminder of the risks law enforcement faces daily.
  • 0
    Given the FBIs extensive resources, do you think the mans actions truly posed a significant threat, or were there other factors influencing his decision?
  • 0
    This is a tragic reminder of the dangers facing law enforcement. We must demand better training and resources to protect our officers while holding those who commit such acts accountable. #StandWithFBI #PoliceBravery #Accountability