Collaboration and training were key in diffusing a hostage situation at the Discovery Communications building, Montgomery County and Maryland authorities say.
James J. Lee entered the building at about 1 p.m. Wednesday and took three people — a security guard and two Discovery employees — hostage.
Authorities negotiated with Lee for more than three hours, before police shot him after hearing a sound they believed was either a gunshot or explosive detonating.
Local officials had recently done a training exercise on responding to such hostage situations, said Richard Bowers, Montgomery County fire chief.
As a result, the responding officers were “well-trained and well-equipped,” he said.
Local and federal authorities — including the Montgomery County police, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service, the Maryland State Police, the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives — responded to the incident.
Thomas Manger, Montgomery County police chief, said there was “great teamwork” among the agencies. He said they often train together and pool resources in major situations.
“No one department has it all, but together we have everything that we need,” he said.
Other officials from across the state praised the emergency-response teams.
Authorities at the scene responded with “courage and professionalism,” said Rep. Chris Van Hollen, who represents Maryland’s 8th District.
Emergency responders encountered a “very dangerous situation” and “prevented it from getting a lot worse,” Van Hollen said.
Lee’s death was unfortunate, but “The actions they took prevented a greater loss of life,” he said.
In a statement, Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley said, “Chief Manger and his team’s professionalism kept civilians safe and unharmed. Law enforcement officers put their lives at risk everyday and the bravery of these men and women should not be overlooked.”
Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett said law enforcement authorities from across the region deserved credit for keeping Discovery employees unharmed.
“I am so thankful” for the public safety officials, he said.
