This is Rita Skeeter broadcasting live and on the scene for the WWN from the Ministry of Magic, where an assassin has made an unsuccessful attempt on the life of Minister Riddle during this morning's press conference. The Ministry has been locked down by the Department of Magical Law Enforcement while they question witnesses to this vicious attack on the Minister, who was rushed to St Mungo's with injuries.
That's right, goodwitches and wizards, the Minister of Magic was attacked this morning. During the press conference that followed on his return from Europe, where he met with the Ministers of several European nations to discuss improvements in diplomatic relations, a wizard reported to be Gilbert Vance stood up to accost the Minister. Crying, "Muggleborns will rise! Down with the Purist Elite!" he pointed a Muggle-type wand, like nothing this reporter had ever seen before, at the Minister. There was a loud noise and the Minister collapsed on the podium, wounded and bleeding. Ministry personnel, led by our brave Aurors, attempted to stop Vance before he could finish the deed. In the ensuing chaos, Vance was apprehended, but there are believed to be three dead and and two injured, including the Minister.
Ministry officials report that Vance is in Auror custody, but other than the Minister, they have not yet named the dead and injured, pending notification of the families. It's rumoured that an Auror was injured, but we have not been able to confirm that report at this time.
As I mentioned, the Ministry is currently locked down and other than emergency personnel removing the Minister to St Mungo's, no one is allowed to enter or leave at this time. Currently DMLE personnel are questioning the witnesses to this heinous crime.
Witnesses have identified the would-be assassin as Gilbert Vance, formerly head of the Office of Misinformation in the Department of Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. Obviously it's too early to know what made him snap and attack the Minister of Magic, but you can rest assured that when that information comes to light, you will be the first to hear!
This is Rita Skeeter broadcasting live and on the scene for the WWN from the Ministry of Magic ....