Residents and Businesses Try to Return to Work As Usual

Downtown Silver Spring transit commuters headed to work, and businesses opened on time, one day after police killed a gunman at the Discovery Channel headquarters.

Metro Transit officials helped commuters who were confused about where to board their buses. Many buses were rerouted, as several streets in the area were still closed.

"I missed my bus," said Victor Ukpolo of Silver Spring.

Ukpolo needed help to make sure he was going the right way.

"It didn't take its regular route, which threw my whole commute off," he said.

Wayne Avenue from Ramsey to Georgia avenues remained blocked by officials continuing their investigation, which forced commuters to board buses on Ramsey Avenue or at the intersection of Colesville Road and Second Avenue. Officials blocked the road with a police mobile command post, a vehicle carrying everything officers may need from computers to a bathroom.

Inside the Discovery building, police pushed ahead with the investigation.

"We have to go through the building and identify any spots with suspicious items," said Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Kevin Frazier.

He said wasn't sure how the long in the investigation would take.

Businesses didn't miss a beat opening their doors at 10 a.m., ready to serve customers.

"After yesterday's incident, we are open as usual," said Copper Canyon's executive chef Alberto Jofre.

His restaurant did not close yesterday like some others in the downtown area.

"We didn't close, just in case someone needed to run inside for cover," he said.

Other establishments in Silver Spring Plaza, such as New York and Company, Starbucks, DSW and Anne Taylor have reopened.