Hostage Situation Erupts During Texas Synagogue's Livestreamed Service, Negotiations with FBI Underway
A hostage situation unfolded Saturday at a Colleyville, Texas, synagogue.
CNN, quoting a “law enforcement official familiar with the investigation,” said at least four hostages were being held, including the congregation’s rabbi.
Police Sgt. Dara Nelson said no injuries have been reported.
“FBI negotiators are the ones who have contact with the person in the building,” Nelson said.
#BREAKING: Hostage situation at Congregation Beth Israel Temple in Colleyville, Texas. The gunman apparently entered the synagogue during Shabbat services. pic.twitter.com/JwiC5zYZI8
— Adir Krafman (@adirkrafman) January 15, 2022
There is “no threat to the general public” at this time according to Nelson.
“Negotiators have contact with this person and are working to come to a safe resolution,” Nelson said, adding that authorities have not yet entered the building, NBC News reported.
Police arrived at the synagogue at about 12:30 p.m.
The Beth Israel synagogue was livestreaming a Shabbat service on Facebook when the hostages were taken.
Before the livestream ended, indistinct audio could be heard of what sounded like police negotiations, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
The outlet reported that a man was heard talking angrily about Islam and asking for his sister to be released from prison.
Fox News reported that at one point, the man said, “I will die.”
UPDATE 1/15/22, 1:20 PM The situation at the 6100 block of Pleasant Run Road posted about earlier remains ongoing. We ask that you continue to avoid the area. We will continue to provide updates via social media.
— Colleyville Police (@ColleyvillePD) January 15, 2022
Colleyville is about 20 miles northeast of Fort Worth.
Beth Israel, which is affiliated with the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, has a 160-seat sanctuary. It also runs a school.
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