A hostage standoff in Bakersfield, California, ended early Wednesday after law enforcement officers shot and killed a man who held 10 people captive inside a government office building.

The hostage standoff began around 1 p.m. Tuesday when 41-year-old Anthony Scott Searles-Harris entered offices used by the Kern County Superintendent of Schools. Authorities said he refused to let people leave and claimed he had explosives attached to his body.

During the hostage standoff, Searles-Harris also told officers that some hostages had explosive devices attached to them. Investigators said they saw items that appeared to be explosives. However, they have not confirmed whether the devices could function.

Negotiators worked through the afternoon and overnight to resolve the hostage standoff peacefully. As talks continued, the suspect released two hostages. Authorities kept the area under lockdown and evacuated nearby buildings while emergency teams remained on scene.

The hostage standoff came to an end around 4:20 a.m. Wednesday. FBI personnel fired during an encounter with the suspect, and he died at the scene. Officials have not released details about what led to the shooting.

Police confirmed that all 10 hostages survived the ordeal. Medical teams examined them at the scene before officers reunited them with their families.

Authorities said Searles-Harris had a criminal history that included violent offences involving weapons. Investigators are still working to determine a motive. They also have not said whether the suspect made any specific demands during the hostage standoff.

The investigation remains active as authorities continue to examine evidence and review the events that led to the incident.