Tense hostage situation downtown Bakersfield office The building ended Wednesday when FBI agents shot and killed the suspect following an overnight standoff that lasted more than 15 hours.
All hostages were safely rescued and received medical evaluations at the scene, according to the Bakersfield Police Department. Authorities said no hostages were injured in the incident.
The standoff began Tuesday afternoon after police received reports of a possible bomb threat at a multi-story building in Bakersfield, California. The property has two rooms Chase Bank branch and a school district office, NBC Los Angeles reported.
“The suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene,” Bakersfield police said in a statement. City police were not involved in the use of force to end the confrontation, authorities added.
FBI takes over tactical operations during negotiations
According to the New York Times, the suspect trapped himself and several hostages in an upper floor of the building just after 1 pm local time on Tuesday.
The two hostages were released after authorities managed to establish telephone contact with the suspects during negotiations, police said.
As the standoff continued into the night, FBI Ultimately taking control of tactical operations. Bakersfield police spokesperson Sally Selby told The New York Times that the FBI “conducted a SWAT operation” Tuesday night.
An email sent from the FBI’s Sacramento office around 2:30 a.m. local time confirmed that the emergency continued into Wednesday morning, with the final operation ending a few hours later.
NBC Los Angeles reported that witnesses saw dozens of heavily armed SWAT officers surrounding the building at night.
Downtown Bakersfield closed due to hostage crisis
The hostage situation triggered widespread evacuations and road closures in parts of downtown Bakersfield. Authorities repeatedly urged residents to avoid the area while negotiators and emergency personnel responded.
As the standoff continues, Bakersfield Mayor Karen Wu appeals for the public’s cooperation.
“The best way the public can help at this time is to avoid the area and provide law enforcement, negotiators and other trained professionals the space and opportunity to safely carry out their duties,” Wu said in a statement.
The incident also disrupted election-related activities on California’s primary day. Democratic congressional candidate Jasmine Baynes canceled an election night event planned for downtown Bakersfield due to the unfolding crisis, The New York Times reported.
Authorities have not publicly identified the suspect or confirmed whether explosives were found in the building.
