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Gunman Takes Hostages in Discovery Channel HQ

He has history of trouble with company

By the Associated Press

Posted Sep 1, 2010 1:28 PM CDT
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(AP) – A gunman who had what police described as "concerns" with the Discovery Channel networks is holding a "small number" of hostages in the company's suburban Washington headquarters. Police are in negotiations with the man, who entered the building in Silver Spring, Md., wearing what appeared to be explosive devices. He also pulled out a handgun. Authorities say they have no confirmed reports of injuries.

Multiple reports identity the gunman as 43-year-old James Lee, who has a long history of protests against Discovery and its programming. Lee has demanded in the past that Discovery air prime-time shows devoted to saving the planet, and he has railed against the "filth" of humanity, reports CNN. The network operates not only the Discovery Channel, but TLC and Animal Planet.


Police evacuate the street in Silver Spring plaza in front of the headquarters of the Discovery Channel.
Police evacuate the street in Silver Spring plaza in front of the headquarters of the Discovery Channel.   (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
Police push people back from near the front of the headquarters of the Discovery Channel networks building in Silver Spring, Md., Wednesday.
Police push people back from near the front of the headquarters of the Discovery Channel networks building in Silver Spring, Md., Wednesday.   (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
Police block the street in front of the headquarters of the Discovery Channel networks in Silver Spring, Md., Wednesday.
Police block the street in front of the headquarters of the Discovery Channel networks in Silver Spring, Md., Wednesday.   (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
Police block the street in front of the headquarters of Discovery Channel networks building in Silver Spring, Md., Wednesday.
Police block the street in front of the headquarters of Discovery Channel networks building in Silver Spring, Md., Wednesday.   (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 13 comments
thudson
Sep 1, 2010 3:47 PM CDT
come on, crazy people. this is quality info-tainment! is nothing sacred?!
Hershey-Squirts
Sep 1, 2010 3:13 PM CDT
Rad! That place is right down the road from me. I should go and watch the cops kill him. I think he's really pissed off about Jon being booted from Jon & Kate Plus 8.
Berzelius
Sep 1, 2010 2:52 PM CDT
So is he protesting Whale Wars or not? The article doesn't really mention. If not, why mention it in the summary? It's allusive and even seems speculative.

Copyright 2012 Newser, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. AP contributed to this report.

 
Discovery Channel • gunman • hostage

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