Photo: Emil Lippe/Getty
Hostages who had been held for hours inside a synagogue in Colleyville, Texas, have been rescued, according to police.
“The SWAT situation in Colleyville is resolved and all hostages are safe,” the Colleyville Police DepartmenttweetedSaturday night. “We continue to work in partnership with the FBI to finalize all details.”
Gov. Greg Abbott alsoconfirmed the newson Twitter, posting, “Prayers answered. All hostages are out alive.”
An unidentified male suspect took hostages Saturday morning during services at Congregation Beth Israel that were streamed live on Facebook. Police also confirmed the suspect in the situation is dead.
“Around 9 p.m., the HRT — hostage rescue team — breached the synagogue, they rescued the three hostages, the suspect is deceased,” said Colleyville Police Chief Michael Miller at a news conference. Details of the rescue or the man’s death and identity were not immediately released.
At least four hostages were initially believed to be inside the synagogue, according to three law enforcement officials who spoke to theAssociated Presson the condition of anonymity.
The synagogue’s rabbi was believed to be among the hostages, one of the officials said. One of the officials said the suspect claimed to be armed but authorities had not confirmed whether he was.
The Colleyville Police Department said thatone male hostage was releaseduninjured shortly after 5 p.m. local time and did not require medical attention. Police said that he would be reunited with his family as soon as possible.
Siddiqui is currently serving an 86-year prison sentence at a facility in Texas.
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ANDY JACOBSOHN/AFP via Getty
The Colleyville Police Department was on the scene, along with the FBI, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the regional SWAT Team and other neighboring agencies, officials said.
In the wake of the hostage situation, PresidentJoe Bidenreleased astatementcondemning anti-Semitism and extremism.
“Thanks to the courageous work of state, local and federal law enforcement, four Americans who were held hostage at a Texas synagogue will soon be home with their families,” he wrote. “I am grateful to the tireless work of law enforcement at all levels who acted cooperatively and fearlessly to rescue the hostages. We are sending love and strength to the members of Congregation Beth Israel, Colleyville, and the Jewish community.”
He added, “There is more we will learn in the days ahead about the motivations of the hostage taker. But let me be clear to anyone who intends to spread hate—we will stand against anti-Semitism and against the rise of extremism in this country. That is who we are, and tonight, the men and women of law enforcement made us all proud.”
source: people.com
