Discovery Channel Hostage Taker Dead
James Jay Lee -- the gunman who took hostages today at the Discovery Channel headquarters in Maryland -- has died after being shot by police.

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According to police, Lee unsuccessfully spoke with several negotiators during the standoff.

Cops say tactical officers managed to get close to Lee ... and saw him point a handgun at one of the hostages. That's when officers decided to open fire  ... killing Lee.

Law enforcement claims Lee made several demands that "mirrored" the demands he had made on his radical website.

Story developing...