Get breaking news alerts and special reports. The news and stories that matter, delivered weekday mornings.

PARIS — Two hostages were held for more than an hour at a post office in Paris Friday before the gunman surrendered to police, officials said. Authorities said the incident was not linked to terrorism.

The standoff began just before 1 p.m. local time (6 a.m. ET). The Interior Ministry confirmed at about 2:30 p.m. that the incident was over and the alleged hostage-taker was in custody.

A BRI tactical response unit had been sent to help officers at the scene in Petit-Colombes, near the business zone of La Defense.

Police officers gather near a post office where hostages are being held in Paris on Friday. KENZO TRIBOUILLARD / AFP - Getty Images

- Alastair Jamieson, Jake Cigainero and Nancy Ing