Eco-Warrior Takes Hostages In Discovery Channel Protest

A passionate eco-warrior has sparked a hostage crisis at the headquarters of the Discovery Channel in Silver Spring, Maryland after walking into the building with a shotgun, handgun and possible explosives as part of a protest about the network's programming.

The man, James Jae Lee, 43, has been identified as a radical environmentalist, who was arrested outside the Discovery Channel building in 2008 when a protest turned violent.

Network bosses claim the Hawaii native has targetted them for not airing enough programmes about global warming and endangered species.

Most of the 1,900 Discovery Channel employees at work when Lee stormed the building on Wednesday lunchtime (01Sep10) were allowed to leave the building and a day care centre located on the first floor was evacuated.

Lee has demanded to speak with Discovery Channel executives.

Local law enforcement officials have confirmed Lee is holding a "small number" of hostages.

As WENN went to press, there had been no injuries. Hostage negotiators are in contact with Lee.