Hostage Situation Unfolds Live On Facebook

A 22-year-old man is holding a person hostage on the 16th floor of a high rise building in Pittsburgh. The man claims to have a gun and explosives. He also has internet access and has been updating his Facebook page throughout the ordeal.

The man, identified as Klein Michael Thaxton, wrote on Facebook shortly after the hostage situation started:

“This life im livn rite now i dnt want anymore ive lost everything and i aint gettn it back instead of walkn around all broke n shyt while niggas stunt on me n shyt.”

In another update, Thaxton talks about issues that he has with his father, saying that he no longer has to worry about money since he’ll be living in jail.

Thaxton writes:

“welln pops youll never have to woryy about me again you’ll nevr need to by me anything no need to ever waste ur hard earned money on me. i’ll live n jail you dnt want me around anymore thats kool bye…i love u assata sis.”

Friends and family members have been trying to talk Thaxton down through Facebook. Pittsburgh police Chief Nate Harper said that the Facebook page was beneficial but it was also making things difficult for negotiators.

Harper said:

“We are negotiating with that individual … We are willing to talk as long as it takes to resolve this in a safe and orderly fashion … We hope his friends will stop communicating with him.”

The Facebook page has been removed but several groups have popped up urging the young man to let his hostage go.

According to Gawker, Thaxton was arrested in 2011 and sentenced to 6 to 12 months for robbery and other crimes. He violated his parole in May and currently has a warrant out for his arrest.