Cuban freelance cartoonist, Jose Varela, was occupying the sixth floor of The Miami Herald building where el Nuevo herald, the Spanish -language sister newspaper is housed. He is now in police custody.

It has been reported that Varela has knives and a machine gun with a laser scope. Allegedly, he appeared agitated and told the women to leave. Most employees have evacuated the building.

The Miami Herald building was the scene of the suicide of powerful local politician Art Teele in July 2005.

The Herald management must beef up building security to protect its employees and visitors. The Herald building is on the fringes of downtown Miami, not in the heart of downtown as has been reported.

© 2006 VANESSA BYERS, Vanessa: Unplugged