Stand-off at Clinton's NH Campaign Office Ends in Arrest [UPDATE]

Madeline Holler — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 20:14:00 GMT

UPDATE: The man who walked into Hillary Clinton's Rochester, N.H., campaign office with a bomb strapped to his chest was arrested after a five-hour stand-off. No one was harmed in the situation, which involved several hostages, two of whom were releasted after two hours.

Negotiators were able to gain trust of the man, a local known to suffer from mental illness, conceding to his requests for soda, cigarettes and alcohol, according to reports.

"(The negotiator) continued to gain his confidence and basically talked him out by saying that we would be able to help him," officials said.

Friday afternoon, a man in his mid-forties entered the offices and opened his shirt to show what looked like bombs strapped to his chest, according to reports. He ordered the campaign workers in the office down to the ground, while releasing a woman and her infant. The released woman ran into a nearby shop and quickly explained the situation. Police and SWAT teams evacuated the area, surrounded the buildings and are currently negotiating with the armed man.

Two of the campaign workers were released unharmed after two hours. And authorities worked to negotiate with the man as two more workers were still inside. Around 5:30 p.m., another hostage was released and then over an hour later the last hostage was set free. Shortly after the last hostage emerged safely from the building, authorities moved in to arrest the man.

Clinton was not in New Hampshire on Friday, but canceled her planned address at the Democratic National Committee Meeting after learning of the hostage situation. Howard Dean, DNC chairman, announced the reason for Clinton's canceled appearance to the group who had gathered in Virginia.

Barack Obama's and John Edward's campaign offices were also evacuated and area schools were in what officials called a "soft lockdown." The candidates have, according to reports, been in contact with each other regarding the situation.

The man is well-known in the area and has a history of mental illness. His son-in-law reported that his father told him to watch the news today and that earlier he had asked where to buy flares.

Photo: CNN.com

Political Nanny : hostage

Stand-off at Clinton's NH Campaign Office Ends in Arrest [UPDATE]