Discovery Channel real life hostage drama
The Discovery Channel is dealing with a real crime scene at its headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland. Earlier today suspected gunman, Radical Environmentalist, James J. Lee, reportedly took three hostages at the network’s building. The standoff ended when Lee was apparently shot and killed by SWAT snipers and the hostages freed.
Previously, Lee reportedly shopped a reality TV project to Discovery, according to The Wrap. Also, the site has quite a bit of background on Lee and his bizarre brand of social activism.
This evening, the Discovery Channel corporate office released the following statement about the hostage drama:
David Leavy, Discovery Communications Executive Vice President Global Communications and Corporate Affairs stated:
“First and foremost, Discovery Communications wants to express how relieved and grateful we are that all employees and the children from the Discovery Kids Place daycare center are safe. Employees in Silver Spring demonstrated courage, compassion and cooperation throughout the situation, which aided law enforcement efforts — for which we are thankful and proud.
In coordination with Montgomery County, Md., Police, an evacuation procedure was executed for all persons in the building. The evacuation procedures were handled with professionalism and with safety as Discovery’s primary concern. Discovery thanks the Montgomery County Police and Fire & Rescue and other state and federal safety personnel whose quick thinking and fast action ensured the safety of the employees and children in the building as well as the Silver Spring, Md., community.
The events of today showed the strong heart of the Discovery family.”
The statement was released through PR Newswire.
“Takers” beat the competition at the Box Office
The bank robbery thriller “Takers” has surprised many with its take at the domestic Box Office. “Takers” debuted as the number one film in the country last weekend with a haul of $20.5 million, beating close rival “The Last Exorcism” by a couple of hundred thousand dollars or so.
“Takers” proved its weekend victory was not fluke by holding onto the lead on Monday and Tuesday. “Takers” is about a group of skilled bank robbers who bump up against a tough detective and his partner during a final heist. Matt Dillion, Hayden Christensen, Pop Singer Rihanna’s ex-boyfriend, Chris Brown, and Rapper, T.I., are in the ensemble cast.
Despite a number of bad reviews, “The Last Exorcism,” managed to find an audience. The new horror mockumentary, scared up $20.3 million, to finish in second place. The movie is about a disillusioned minister who agrees to the exorcism of a farmer’s daughter and a documentary crew goes along to film it all. Patrick Fabian, Iris Bahr and Louis Herthum star.
The action flick, “The Expendables” came in third with $9.5 million, bringing its three week total to around $82 million. Rounding out the top five, romance drama, “Eat Pray Love” with $6.8 million and the buddy-cop comedy, “The Other Guys” with $6.2 million.
