Developing: Gunman forces evacuation of Discovery HQ
Discovery Communications headquarters was evacuated Wednesday afternoon on reports of a gunman with explosives in the building.
The Silver Spring, Maryland building has been on lockdown after gunshots were reports around 1:20 p.m.
Police are on the scene and have tried to establish contact with the gunman who reported has one hostage.
As of this time (2:15pm), no injuries or casualties have been reported.
Live news coverage from ABC 7 News - Washington can be viewed here.
Update 2:29pm: Mediaite is reporting that the gunman may be part of a protest against the Animal Planet program 'Whale Wars'. Discovery has received several threats for engaging in "eco-terrorism."
All employees who have evacuated have been told to go home. Children staying at the building's day care center have been evacuated to a nearby McDonald's.
Update 2:53pm: News outlets are reporting that the gunman is James Jay Lee, a man who has regularly protested outside of Discovery Communications Headquarters. TMZ has posted a link to Lee's manifesto, which has criticized 'Whale Wars' and TLC's programming featuring large families.
Update 3:17pm: Police Chief Tom Manger reported that police have been negotiating with the assailant for approximately an hour. He would not confirm the number of hostages or that Lee is the gunman.
Update 5:15pm: CNN is reporting that Lee has been shot and taken into custody. Three hostages were released and the contents of Lee's backpack have been neutralized. Aside from Lee, no one has been injured.
Update 5:38pm: MSNBC is reporting that James Jay Lee has died from his wounds. An explosive device detonated when he was shot by police. Police are searching the building for any remaining explosives.
Mike McComb – TVLatest.com
Follow Mike on Twitter @Rube_Goldberg
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