Chapter 183:
"Mr. President, Frank has been shot dead."
Outside the press conference hall of the presidential palace, the security chief, dressed in formal attire, whispered the news into the President's ear as he was reviewing his speech.
The President slowly put down the script in his hand, looked at his security chief, and rubbed his face. "This is really bad news. But are the hostages safe?"
The security chief solemnly nodded. "According to reports from the scene, Frank refused to communicate and attempted to harm the hostages. Our people had no choice but to shoot. The hostages are safe."
Only then did the President nod in satisfaction. "That's good. Protecting the safety of federal citizens is my duty..." He then picked up the script again, glanced at it a few times, and nodded to the security chief and principal aide before stepping into the conference room.
As he walked into the room, the flashlights almost turned the place into a silver world. Even the President, who was accustomed to the media, found the sudden burst of light somewhat uncomfortable.
He squinted slightly and walked to the podium, lowering his gaze to make himself more comfortable.
It had been twenty-four hours since the situation broke out yesterday morning. Regardless of what others thought, the media would go crazy first, followed by public opinion.
The news had spread. Trying to cover it up was impractical and would make the President and his cabinet seem incompetent. They had to find a way to resolve it, at least to calm the ordinary investors blocking the doors of banks or exchanges first.