Gunman dead following standoff outside Fla. courthouse

VIERA, Fla. - A gunman was shot dead by Florida police following a standoff which prompted the lockdown of the Brevard County courthouse and surrounding schools Friday, officials say, according to CBS affiliate WKMG.

Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey said the gunman's identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

A bomb squad robot was used to inspect the man's body and a bag he had with him, reports the Orlando Sentinel.

Ivey said authorities had had previous dealings with the suspect and that he had made threats to the courthouse before, reports the station.

Ivey said authorities received information early Friday morning that the man was on his way to the courthouse. Before the armed man could make into the courthouse, deputies recognized him and secured the scene. The standoff took place outside the courthouse, according to the paper.