A man who took hostages inside a Chase bank in Bakersfield, California, was shot and killed by FBI agents early on Wednesday, police confirmed. The suspect, who had a bomb strapped to his body, had barricaded himself in the bank for approximately 12 hours before the incident concluded at around 4:20 am.
All hostages were released unharmed, according to the Bakersfield Police Department. The suspect's identity has not been disclosed, and the investigation is ongoing. The standoff began on Tuesday afternoon after police responded to a bomb threat at the bank in downtown Bakersfield.
Police initially referred to the situation as a barricade but later acknowledged it as a hostage crisis. One hostage was released on Tuesday afternoon, and a second was freed in the evening. Authorities maintained contact with the suspect via phone throughout the standoff.
Road closures were in effect around the bank, and several city buildings, including city hall and police headquarters, were placed on lockdown. Evacuation orders were issued for the surrounding area. Dr Jasmeet Bains, a local candidate, cancelled her election night event due to the incident.
A JPMorgan Chase spokesperson stated that the bank was cooperating with law enforcement, focusing on the safety of everyone involved. The Bakersfield Police Department confirmed that the suspect was killed in an officer-involved shooting involving FBI personnel.
