Gunman takes Discovery Communications HQ hostage

Wednesday, September 1st, 2010 2:00PM CDT

Categories: Site News, People News, Company News
Posted by: Seibertron Views: 44,305

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Editor's Note: Seibertron.com doesn't normally cover real world news outside of the Transformers hobby, but this one's kind of related. Earlier this year, Hasbro and Discovery Communications announced a joint venture together called The Hub.

Earlier today, a gunman, named James Lee, took the Discovery Channel's headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland (outside of Washington, DC) hostage. The gunman is an activist with a slew of demands he wants broadcast that he feels will "save the planet". Authorities are assuming that the gunman, armed with a handgun, also has an explosive device due to a shiny object the gunman has. At this time, we are unable to verify whether or not The Hub is based out of this building. If it is, then this clearly is Transformers news related. We'll keep you posted in this topic as more information becomes available.

Other official news sources:

CNN: Officials: Suspect holding hostages at Discovery Channel

SyFy: Gunman takes one hostage in US

Washington Post: Suspect was barred from Discovery Bldg.

Entertainment Weekly: Armed man holding a hostage at Discovery Channel's headquarters

Crepinc.com: Gunman's list of demands

Google News: Discovery in Google News

Credit(s): Various sources ...

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Re: Gunman takes Discovery Communications HQ hostage (1120254)
Posted by TeletranPrime on September 1st, 2010 @ 2:09pm CDT

I live like 30 minutes from there, not good

Re: Gunman takes Discovery Communications HQ hostage (1120255)
Posted by Wheeljack35 on September 1st, 2010 @ 2:15pm CDT

Seibertron wrote:Editor's Note: Seibertron.com doesn't normally cover real world news outside of the Transformers hobby, but this one's kind of related. Earlier this year, Hasbro and Discovery Communications announced a joint venture together called The Hub.

Earlier today, a gunman, named James Lee, took the Discovery Channel's headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland (outside of Washington, DC) hostage. The gunman is an activist with a slew of demands he wants broadcast that he feels will "save the planet". Authorities are assuming that the gunman, armed with a handgun, also has an explosive device due to a shiny object the gunman has. At this time, we are unable to verify whether or not The Hub is based out of this building. If it is, then this clearly is Transformers news related. We'll keep you posted in this topic as more information becomes available.

Other official news sources:

CNN: Officials: Suspect holding hostages at Discovery Channel

SyFy: Gunman takes one hostage in US

Washington Post: Suspect was barred from Discovery Bldg.

Entertainment Weekly: Armed man holding a hostage at Discovery Channel's headquarters

Crepinc.com: Gunman's list of demands

Google News: Discovery in Google News

Why does Entertainment Weekly and SYFY Chanel doing this?

This isn't fluff story

Re: Gunman takes Discovery Communications HQ hostage (1120256)
Posted by Pyrostrata on September 1st, 2010 @ 2:23pm CDT

Wow! Not what I expected to see when I go to check TF news, but I see the relevancy of it!

Hope no one gets hurt in the end.

Re: Gunman takes Discovery Communications HQ hostage (1120258)
Posted by Editor on September 1st, 2010 @ 2:30pm CDT

A) I hope that this all ends well, with everone involved safe.

B) Editor's note ?!? I don't remember writing that......

Re: Gunman takes Discovery Communications HQ hostage (1120259)
Posted by Blurrz on September 1st, 2010 @ 2:31pm CDT

Someone needs to stop this man. He's just got a web of shit in his brain. .

Re: Gunman takes Discovery Communications HQ hostage (1120260)
Posted by Forgotten on September 1st, 2010 @ 2:33pm CDT

Hope all goes well. And when are these enviromental activists/extremists going to learn they're not helping the cause, they're hurting it.

Re: Gunman takes Discovery Communications HQ hostage (1120265)
Posted by Sky-Quake on September 1st, 2010 @ 2:52pm CDT

I'm sure the police will solve this matter in a few hours maybe one involving a sniper rifle wink wink :twisted:

Re: Gunman takes Discovery Communications HQ hostage (1120270)
Posted by REGIFISHY on September 1st, 2010 @ 3:05pm CDT

Oh, that would REALLY put a damper on your day.

I Hope that the swat team arrives soon.

Re: Gunman takes Discovery Communications HQ hostage (1120271)
Posted by ImperiaxPrime on September 1st, 2010 @ 3:08pm CDT

While I realize that this guy is a wacko, and his methods have negated any hope for his demands, I have to agree with his anti-breeding & weapons whoring points. I couldn't help but hear invader Zim's voice when I read his demands. "Filthy worm babies." :lol:

Seriously though. I hope no one is harmed by this nut bag.

Re: Gunman takes Discovery Communications HQ hostage (1120281)
Posted by Shadowman on September 1st, 2010 @ 3:48pm CDT

I don't know which is a worse idea, thinking humans should go extinct though abstinence, or thinking taking a bunch of innocent people hostage would help promote your cause.

Re: Gunman takes Discovery Communications HQ hostage (1120285)
Posted by Malicron on September 1st, 2010 @ 3:53pm CDT

Crazy guy shot, hostages safe; all is once more well with the world.

Re: Gunman takes Discovery Communications HQ hostage (1120288)
Posted by Mr O on September 1st, 2010 @ 3:58pm CDT

Screwloose death-wish nutcase. I'm a million miles away and glad for those closer that it's over.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldne ... rters.html

Re: Gunman takes Discovery Communications HQ hostage (1120293)
Posted by Delicon on September 1st, 2010 @ 4:15pm CDT

To update an earlier story, the crisis at Discovery Communications HQ is now officially over. Thankfully, everyone appears to be safe now, other than the gunman himself.

Here is an excerpt of the latest news, courtesy of AOL.

(Sept. 1) -- Police snipers this afternoon shot dead a gunman carrying a backpack full of possible explosives and freed the three people he had been holding hostage inside the headquarters of the Discovery Channel in Silver Spring, Md., authorities said.

All three hostages were safe, Montgomery County Police Chief Tom Manger said. He initially said police had shot the suspect but he did not know the man's condition. Police later confirmed the gunman was dead.

Seibertron.com's Delicon has been able to confirm that The Hub offices are in fact located in the same building as his brother-in-law is a Discovery employee who works at the same location.

Re: Gunman takes Discovery Communications HQ hostage (1120294)
Posted by Pyrostrata on September 1st, 2010 @ 4:19pm CDT

Oh well. One less fruitcake sucking up our good air.

Glad to see the hostages came out unscathed.

Re: Gunman takes Discovery Communications HQ hostage (1120298)
Posted by REGIFISHY on September 1st, 2010 @ 4:31pm CDT

AHAHAHAHAHAH, Good riddance!

Re: Gunman takes Discovery Communications HQ hostage (1120307)
Posted by SlyTF1 on September 1st, 2010 @ 4:59pm CDT

I just heard about this on the news a few minutes ago. I wonder what his motive was.

Re: Gunman takes Discovery Communications HQ hostage (1120309)
Posted by Dinobot747 on September 1st, 2010 @ 5:03pm CDT

I read his demands. What a whacko. Kinda sad things didn't end well for him though.

Re: Gunman takes Discovery Communications HQ hostage (1120319)
Posted by Shadowman on September 1st, 2010 @ 5:29pm CDT

REGIFISHY wrote:AHAHAHAHAHAH, Good riddance!

Yeah, death is hilarious.

SlyTF1 wrote:I just heard about this on the news a few minutes ago. I wonder what his motive was.

Among other things, he demanded the Discovery Channel and TLC show more "eco friendly" programs, as well as adopting his views of what "eco friendly" actually means, which happens to include people no longer breeding "filthy human infants."

Re: Gunman takes Discovery Communications HQ hostage (1120333)
Posted by BattleRoller23 on September 1st, 2010 @ 5:59pm CDT

This man actually has a myspace! I have seen it before!

Re: Gunman takes Discovery Communications HQ hostage (1120336)
Posted by Mindmaster on September 1st, 2010 @ 6:16pm CDT

Thank God they're OK. I really don't like hearing about hostage situations, and tears me to pieces every time I hear one. Thank God that the hostages were unharmed. :APPLAUSE:

Re: Gunman takes Discovery Communications HQ hostage (1120342)
Posted by JRFitzpatrick7 on September 1st, 2010 @ 6:27pm CDT

Perceptor wrote:you're welcome citizens

Re: Gunman takes Discovery Communications HQ hostage (1120344)
Posted by synthetik on September 1st, 2010 @ 6:32pm CDT

Though I advocate radical environmentalism, taking people hostage is just a stupid thing to do. People shouldn't be hurt at all, that takes away the meaning of saving the world

Re: Gunman takes Discovery Communications HQ hostage (1120359)
Posted by Delicon on September 1st, 2010 @ 7:19pm CDT

I'm just glad that Matt (my brother-in-law) is safe, he just took that job a few months ago.

As far as the gunman goes, obviously the man had some real issues, I am just glad that those issues didn't take away any inncoent lives in the process.

Re: Gunman takes Discovery Communications HQ hostage (1120416)
Posted by Sky-Quake on September 1st, 2010 @ 10:08pm CDT

hahahaha did I f###ing call it or what

wonder if they got a head shot :twisted:

mwhahahahahaha

Re: Gunman takes Discovery Communications HQ hostage (1120420)
Posted by Shadowman on September 1st, 2010 @ 10:18pm CDT

Sky-Quake wrote:hahahaha did I f###ing call it or what wonder if they got a head shot mwhahahahahaha

I know the guy did bad things, but a human being getting killed is not funny.

Re: Gunman takes Discovery Communications HQ hostage (1120451)
Posted by MGrotusque on September 1st, 2010 @ 11:45pm CDT

too bad he chose such a retarded way to voice his beliefs! It's easy to get angry about the way the world is today and get bent out of shape about it cause in reality nothing is going to change and only get worse.
Better people have said the same things in FAR better ways and it still won't change the inevitable.
Too many people on the planet and our growth remains uncheked.
THe environment and the animals that live in it are destroyed and consumed at ever growing rates to feed our appetites.
It's a matter of time really.
We all know it.
least there's one less human to contribute to it all.
There's a natural order to things and right now.....humanity is very unnatural.
Sure it can change and there is hope but the social consciousness has to change and be willing to take the responsability and take the measures needed to save life as we know it on this planet. Or it can and will take a very unpleasant turn for the worse.
Think larger than the bubble that you live in and your day to day life.....just sayin.

Re: Gunman takes Discovery Communications HQ hostage (1120456)
Posted by Blurrz on September 2nd, 2010 @ 12:10am CDT

monstergrotusque wrote:too bad he chose such a retarded way to voice his beliefs! It's easy to get angry about the way the world is today and get bent out of shape about it cause in reality nothing is going to change and only get worse.
Better people have said the same things in FAR better ways and it still won't change the inevitable.

Seriously? We're all doomed? The apocalypse is loomin? As an environmentalist and that being part of Undergrad Degree, it's all about solving through gradual change, not the instantaneous kind. If everyone had a negative attitude like you did towards our current situation, we'd all be jumping off buildings. Look, I'm not telling you put a fake smile on your face, but seriously dude, just lighten up a little and drop the pessimism. As mankind, we'll survive, we'll find ways to adjust. It's just that there are goofs like these who'd rather try to do something like this - instead of trying to change the world in the inside, by getting an education and allowing themselves to grasp the current situation of our planet.

Re: Gunman takes Discovery Communications HQ hostage (1120458)
Posted by MGrotusque on September 2nd, 2010 @ 12:27am CDT

Blurrz wrote:
monstergrotusque wrote:too bad he chose such a retarded way to voice his beliefs! It's easy to get angry about the way the world is today and get bent out of shape about it cause in reality nothing is going to change and only get worse.
Better people have said the same things in FAR better ways and it still won't change the inevitable.

Seriously? We're all doomed? The apocalypse is loomin? As an environmentalist and that being part of Undergrad Degree, it's all about solving through gradual change, not the instantaneous kind. If everyone had a negative attitude like you did towards our current situation, we'd all be jumping off buildings. Look, I'm not telling you put a fake smile on your face, but seriously dude, just lighten up a little and drop the pessimism. As mankind, we'll survive, we'll find ways to adjust. It's just that there are goofs like these who'd rather try to do something like this - instead of trying to change the world in the inside, by getting an education and allowing themselves to grasp the current situation of our planet.

Agreed....i'm being heavy handed but sometimes ya gotta be. I'm just using words.
As for mankind finding a way and adjusting.....say that to the species on the brink of extinction and those that are gone all over the planet and life giving oceans being polluted and pillaged to feed humanity till it's barren and lifeless. or the polluted earth and air. I'm not saying be an extremist but the times are extreme indeed!
As i said before....better people have spread that message in FAR better ways than this guy did or i have just done but it still needs to be said. Not all people can be patient and gradual. As humans we express ourselves in many ways and some aren't so nice but thats a reality. I'm not a very "NICE" guy when it comes to this issue. I'm passionate about it as are you. Sorry for the pessimism but people have to WAKE UP!! and act. Or really.....it'll be gone....and soon. YOu've seen what's happend over the last 150 years and it's impact. THat change was pretty "instantaneous" in the history of the planet. Why can't the fix be the same?

Re: Gunman takes Discovery Communications HQ hostage (1120460)
Posted by Noideaforaname on September 2nd, 2010 @ 12:43am CDT

Shadowman wrote:I don't know which is a worse idea, thinking humans should go extinct though abstinence, or thinking taking a bunch of innocent people hostage would help promote your cause.

This
I'd really like to know just how these type of people ever manage to think this stuff. How do they make the jump from "this will save the planet" to "this is worth killing people for?" Like, do they not see any seemingly obvious problems with it, or do they think their idea far outweighs any?

Anyway, glad the hostages are safe. Shame the gunman had to die.

Re: Gunman takes Discovery Communications HQ hostage (1120534)
Posted by GEEWUN on September 2nd, 2010 @ 6:28am CDT

Shadowman wrote:
Sky-Quake wrote:hahahaha did I f###ing call it or what wonder if they got a head shot mwhahahahahaha

I know the guy did bad things, but a human being getting killed is not funny.

Humans getting killed is not funny, but the death of this man probably was the safest way to release the hostages. Unless he had another badguy with him. At least everyone is alright, including the gunner.

1. One less polluting, scum-bag person breathing up the pure air of life
2. He officially stopped his own carbon footprint
3. He probably didn't leave any babies to steal what is rightfully mother-earth's.

Now don't get me wrong but I do believe in protecting the environment, but this dude just ain't helpin' dah CAUZ

AIN'T HELPIN' DAH CAUZ!!!

Re: Gunman takes Discovery Communications HQ hostage (1120565)
Posted by noctorro on September 2nd, 2010 @ 8:11am CDT

Somehow I fail to see this being connected to the fact if we're ever going to get the 3 War For Cybertron seekers in toy form.

3 people hostage? And they're safe... And how many people were killed in Bagdad yesterday? Oh wait, that's different.

Correct me if I'm wrong, I love to be corrected and most of the time I am wrong.

Re: Gunman takes Discovery Communications HQ hostage (1120567)
Posted by Blackstreak on September 2nd, 2010 @ 8:15am CDT

Yowzers! I had no idea this was even going on. Glad to hear the hostages are safe. It seems to me that was a fast solution, and I'm glad for it.

Re: Gunman takes Discovery Communications HQ hostage (1120568)
Posted by Blackstreak on September 2nd, 2010 @ 8:17am CDT

Delete please.

Re: Gunman takes Discovery Communications HQ hostage (1120605)
Posted by Shadowman on September 2nd, 2010 @ 10:00am CDT

GEEWUN wrote:
Shadowman wrote:
Sky-Quake wrote:hahahaha did I f###ing call it or what wonder if they got a head shot mwhahahahahaha

I know the guy did bad things, but a human being getting killed is not funny.

Humans getting killed is not funny, but the death of this man probably was the safest way to release the hostages.

Oh, I'm not saying it was wrong to kill him. I'm saying it's wrong to laugh about it.

noctorro wrote:Somehow I fail to see this being connected to the fact if we're ever going to get the 3 War For Cybertron seekers in toy form.

3 people hostage? And they're safe... And how many people were killed in Bagdad yesterday? Oh wait, that's different.

Correct me if I'm wrong, I love to be corrected and most of the time I am wrong.

Good news, you're wrong this time. A hostage situation is major news. And this is General Discussion, it doesn't have to deal with Transformers. Though it IS apparently related to Transformers in that the network the new series is going to be on was located at the same place.

Re: Gunman takes Discovery Communications HQ hostage (1120623)
Posted by Sky-Quake on September 2nd, 2010 @ 10:57am CDT

Shadowman wrote:
Sky-Quake wrote:hahahaha did I f###ing call it or what wonder if they got a head shot mwhahahahahaha

I know the guy did bad things, but a human being getting killed is not funny.

to someone as insane as me it is. well only when someone who willingly would kill someone or threaten someone at gun point gets killed then it's funny in a very morbid way if someone like a little girl is killed then it's not funny it's just sad I think I went a little overboard with that post though

Re: Gunman takes Discovery Communications HQ hostage (1120643)
Posted by Jesterhead on September 2nd, 2010 @ 12:11pm CDT

Sky-Quake wrote: if someone like a little girl is killed then it's not funny it's just sad

What if that little girl would kill people/threaten them at gunpoint?

Re: Gunman takes Discovery Communications HQ hostage (1120692)
Posted by Sky-Quake on September 2nd, 2010 @ 2:50pm CDT

Jesterhead wrote:
Sky-Quake wrote: if someone like a little girl is killed then it's not funny it's just sad

What if that little girl would kill people/threaten them at gunpoint?

well if a little girl somehow managed to acquire a handgun and take people hostage and is shot dead it would not be funny and I would feel depressed a child wouldn't know any better but a full grown adult should have more sense than that this actually has me thinking about myself in a new way :-?

Re: Gunman takes Discovery Communications HQ hostage (1121038)
Posted by GEEWUN on September 3rd, 2010 @ 1:44pm CDT

Sky-Quake wrote:
Jesterhead wrote:
Sky-Quake wrote: if someone like a little girl is killed then it's not funny it's just sad

What if that little girl would kill people/threaten them at gunpoint?

well if a little girl somehow managed to acquire a handgun and take people hostage and is shot dead it would not be funny and I would feel depressed a child wouldn't know any better but a full grown adult should have more sense than that this actually has me thinking about myself in a new way