clipping from the daily prophet.
Tragedy Strikes Britain
-- Aaron Stanford
Wizards and witches across the world are reeling in shock this morning after news of an unexpected and unknown cause that has claimed the life of a true hero. Cade Armitage of the Department of Mysteries was the first to discover the death of Kingsley Shacklebolt. He had entered the Minister's office for a previously scheduled appointment around suppertime Saturday evening when he discovered the body of the Minister for Magic. He immediately contacted Head Auror, Margaret Weldon, and alerted Shacklebolt's secretary, who had just returned from her evening break. Armitage and the secretary were questioned by Ministry officials and released - neither are considered suspects.
Shacklebolt had been in good health prior to his discovery. The cause of death has not yet been determined; however, some officials speculate that poison or the killing curse are to blame, though a natural death has not been ruled out at this time. "He was fine," his secretary, Shirley Rosewood, stated. "I went to dinner and when I came back, I didn't even think to check on him. I figured he would be preparing for his meeting with [Armitage]."
News of the Minister's death were leaked late last night in spite of the Ministry's attempts to keep the story quiet until further information could be recovered.
The Ministry is closed to all visitors and employees for the day, though Aurors and members of the Wizengamot have occupied the space since the discovery of the late Minister. There has been no official statement, though one harried worker expressed extreme sorrow as he vacated the building: "What kind of monsters would want to kill such a great man? Whoever did it will earn the hatred of entire nation."
One woman who refused to give her name, incensed by the news of Shacklebolt's passing, blamed the purist extremists who have been against the Minister's negotiations concerning the Statute of Secrecy: "They couldn't acknowledge all the good he's done for us - they've been gunning for him from the start." Others who have also refused to give their names have suggested that the entire thing is a conspiracy within the Ministry. However, there are no official leads.
Several witnesses have contacted both the Ministry and the Prophet since last night after having seen a peculiar looking male figure dressed in black. They described him as tall and thin with a mustache and bowler hat, also noting that his hair was nearly shoulder length.
Anyone with any further information should contact the Auror department via owl as soon as possible.