The FBI shot and killed a suspect who had been holding several people hostage inside a California bank following a reported bomb threat, authorities confirmed.
All hostages have been rescued, and the suspect died during a standoff that began at a Chase Bank building in downtown Bakersfield on Tuesday afternoon.
The incident started when an unidentified man entered the bank around 1 p.m. local time and barricaded himself with an unknown number of people inside, according to Bakersfield Police Department Sgt. Eric Celedon. Police reported two hostages were released after hours of negotiations, with a second hostage freed shortly afterward. No injuries were reported.
Crisis negotiators contacted the suspect via phone during the standoff, but authorities have not confirmed whether a bomb was involved. The FBI and Department of Homeland Security are assisting with the situation, with additional resources deployed from across the state.
Bakersfield Police Department stated the suspect died in “an officer-involved shooting involving Federal Bureau of Investigation personnel.” The department emphasized that Bakersfield police were not involved in the use of force and confirmed all hostages received medical evaluation and treatment at the scene.
City hall, local police headquarters, nearby buildings, and multiple roads were closed during the crisis as negotiations unfolded. Sgt. Celedon noted the city deployed every available resource: SWAT team, bomb squad, K9 unit, gang unit, negotiators, drone team, and FBI Hostage Rescue Team personnel.
Chase Bank representatives confirmed they are aware of the ongoing situation at their downtown branch location.