Police in Minnesota are responding to an active hostage situation inside a Wells Fargo bank.
An unconfirmed number of bank employees and hostages are currently being held inside the bank, located in the city of St. Cloud.
Officers responded to a call from the branch shortly before 2 pm local time, and the incident is still listed as ‘active’.
Scores of local police and the FBI are on the scene reportedly attempting a hostage negotiation.
Shortly before 6.30 pm, one female hostage was released from the bank.
Video shows the woman emerging with her hands in the air as she ran towards the police.
Crowds, who were watching from several hundred meters back, cheered as the woman was safely escorted away by officers.
Just after the woman was released, another person appeared to open the bank’s front door and throw a wad of cash outside.
Around an hour later, a second woman was released from the branch and walked calmly towards officers with her hands in the air.
Wells Fargo spokesperson Staci Schiller confirmed that there was an incident inside one of their branches.
‘We can confirm a hostage situation at Wells Fargo’s St. Cloud South branch, located at 200 33rd Avenue South,’ she said in a statement.
‘We are cooperating with local law enforcement and will do whatever we can to assist the authorities in their investigation. We recognize this is a traumatic moment for the community and our colleagues. The safety and security of our customers and employees is our most important priority.’
This is a developing story.
