Georgian special forces unit killed man who took hostage at national TV station

Georgian special forces shot dead a gunman Thursday who had taken a hostage at the country's main independent television station Rustavi-2.

An armed man entered the station's headquarters in Tbilisi around 5 p.m. (1300GMT), took an employee hostage and demanded a meeting with the city prosecutors, The AP reported.

Patrol and special police forces tried to negotiate with the man, but ultimately were forced to shoot him.

Police blocked off entrance to the building and surrounding neighborhood as investigators looked for evidence.

Interior Ministry officials have refused comment on the incident.