The FBI and Texas Department of Public Safety are assisting a hostage situation at the Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas, according to Colleyville Police Sgt. Dara Nelson.
A law enforcement official familiar with the investigation told CNN there are believed to be at least four hostages, including a rabbi. There are no injuries at this time, Nelson said, adding that police have evacuated the area. “The FBI negotiators are the ones who have contact with the person in the building.” Nelson said. There is “no threat to the general public” at this time, Nelson added. Two law enforcement officials told CNN that investigators believe the hostage taker may have been motivated by a desire to free Aafia Sidiqqui, who is serving an 86-year sentence at a facility in Texas. She was convicted in 2010 on seven charges, including attempted murder and armed assault on US officers in Afghanistan. That assessment is based on both discussions with the suspect and audio heard on the synagogue’s livestream on Facebook, the officials said. CNN has reached out to lawyers for Siddiqui for reaction to the hostage situation. The livestream appeared to capture part of the incident before it was removed. Law enforcement officials told CNN they reviewed the stream and are using it to gather clues on the incident and the individuals involved. Police are asking people to avoid the area. “We are currently conducting SWAT operations around the 6100 block of Pleasant Run Rd,” the Colleyville Police Department said.
