Rochester Suspect Releases Final Hostage, Surrenders

Piaseckyj: We've been closely following what has been called a hostage situation in downtown Rochester throughout the afternoon. Earlier today a man claiming to be armed with explosives entered Hillary Clinton's campaign office on Main Street in Rochester and took several hostages. On the line with us live from Rochester is New Hampshire Public Radio's Dan Gorenstein and Dan, I understand the crisis is over.

Gorenstein: Apparently, Xenia, the crisis is over. Cars are beginning to move out, squad cars are beginning to leave, an ambulance has just left the scene. People relaxes, SWAT team members are walking away, equipment slung over their shoulders. Everybody seems to be easing down.

Piaseckyj: We've heard reports that there was one last hostage released and the hostage taker surrendered to police.

Gorenstein: That's right. About 40 minutes ago a young college-age woman was released, and about 10 minutes ago a young man was released. And then soon after that, police took the hostage taker down - apparently he was dressed quite nicely with a tie. He came out with his hands up, whatever was taped or strapped to him was removed, and he was taken into custody.

Piaseckyj: So if my count is correct, there were three hostages throughout the afternoon in total?

Gorenstein: At minimum, that's probably the most accurate way to report that. There were early reports about a woman with a baby and it was never clear to most reporters whether or not that woman was a hostage in fact, or if she quickly snuck out before the hostage taker got serious about serious about staying inside the campaign office. So I would say for sure, witnesses saw three people leave Hillary Clinton's campaign office in downtown Rochester today.

Piaseckyj: And just briefly, Dan, I understand there's another press briefing coming up.

Gorenstein: That is right. We're not clear when that's going to happen, but there is press from all over New England anxious to hear the latest from the Rochester Police Department.

Piaseckyj: Ok, thank you.

Gorenstein: Thank you, Xenia.