Judge Pretends To Resign On Live TV To End Hostage Standoff

Duval County Judge Sharon Tanner, who authorities said had handled a domestic case involving the gunman, gave the bogus resignation on camera as local stations were covering the hostage incident live.

The attorney, identified as Christopher Hazelip, was freed unharmed, and the gunman, who was identified as John Matthew Knight, 45, surrendered shortly after the judge's televised resignation, said John Bowen, chief of homeland security for the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.

The incident began when Mayor John Peyton received a call at a City Hall retreat at about 11:30 a.m. The man said he was holding an attorney hostage at Riverplace Tower, a 28-story downtown office building, and had a bomb. Sheriff's officials later said the man did not have a bomb in his possession, but did have a loaded 9 mm pistol.

While talking with the man, Peyton was able to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. Peyton was able to keep the man on the telephone for about 45 minutes, while police converged on the high-rise and evacuated hundreds of workers and 45 children in a daycare center.

One of the man's demands to Peyton was that Tanner resign on live television. Peyton said the man was not pleased with the outcome of a domestic case he had had before the judge.

"He gave a timeline of 90 minutes for this to occur or he would detonate his bomb," Bowen said.

Tanner walked up to a local TV reporter near the high-rise, saying on camera that she was resigning immediately without giving any explanation. Authorities didn't explain the meaning of her televised comments until after the incident ended. Tanner's office confirmed the ruse but said the judge had no further comment.

Knight told police he knew her resignation would not be accepted, but he felt it was the best way to get his message out that he was unhappy with her handling of his case.

"He knew she was not really going to resign," Bowen said.

Police said Knight has no prior criminal records.

He was still being questioned Wednesday night at the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office and no formal charges have yet been filed, Bowen said.

Knight, who was wearing a business suit, was able to enter the office building by presenting a false identification card to a security guard.

Police said there have found no connection between Knight and the law firm and believe he chose it randomly.

Hazelip, when called at his home, refused to comment.

Riverplace Tower, which is owned by Gate Petroleum Co., has a variety of legal and professional offices. Peyton's family owns Gate.