Man Kills Self at Tapani Sector Embassy

Ambassadorial Sector, Coruscant — A man has killed himself with a small, explosive device at the embassy of the Tapani Sector on Coruscant, according to police. The man, a professor of galactic history on Coruscant, reportedly entered the lobby of the building with a blaster pistol and an explosive device on or in his person, and made threats on the life of Senator Mical de Crion. He was subdued by security forces, but killed when his bomb exploded.

There was no damage to the embassy and no one injured in the incident. The building was evacuated as a precaution, but opened again some hours later when Coruscant Security Forces (CSF) declared the building clear. Additional security and police presence is expected at the embassy this week, and at the office of Senator Crion. The Senator was not available for comment, but a member of his staff told The Coruscant Journal that he was "saddened and troubled" by the event.

It is not known what motivated the man—identified as Harold Riv, professor at the Coruscant branch of the University of the Core Worlds—to threaten Senator Crion, or to take his own life. Riv had not been seen since last Satunda, according to friends, students and faculty, and had not exhibited any animosity for the Senator or interest in politics prior to that time. Security forces at the Tapani embassy described Riv as "deranged" and "acting strangely" at the time of the attack.

The CSF has reportedly passed the case to New Republic Intelligence (NRI), which has promised an "exhaustive" investigation into the incident which will reconstruct Riv's recent movements, communications, and transactions, particularly those surrounding his recent disappearance. An NRI official familiar with the details told The Coruscant Journal that "this is one case that most definitely will not remain unsolved," adding: "There will be closure."