Officials say the suspect is believed to be motivated by the case of a prisoner linked to terrorism
The suspect in the Texas synagogue hostage situation spoke with a New York City rabbi today
From CNN’s Shimon Prokupecz
The FBI interviewed a New York City-based rabbi who spoke to the suspect in the Texas synagogue hostage situation earlier today.
The rabbi of Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas — who is among the four people being held hostage — called the rabbi in New York City at the request of the hostage taker.
She is a well-known rabbi who has no connection to the hostage taker. According to the official, the hostage taker told the rabbi that Aafia Siddiqui was framed and that they want her released.
CNN reported earlier that two law enforcement officials tell CNN investigators believe the hostage taker at the synagogue may have been motivated by a desire to free 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.
The sources tell CNN that assessment is based on both discussions with the suspect and audio heard on the synagogue’s livestream.
4 people are being held hostage at a Texas synagogue. Here’s where things stand now.
At least four people are being held hostage at the Congregation Beth Israel in
Colleyville, Texas, according to a law enforcement official.
The situation is ongoing, and many details remain unclear. If you’re just reading in now, here’s what we know fo far:
- A rabbi is among the hostages: A rabbi is believed to be among the four hostages at the Colleyville synagogue, a law enforcement official told CNN.
- Negotiations are ongoing: FBI negotiators made contact with the person in the building, authorities said. Police say there are no injuries at this point, no significant updates and still no plans for a news conference soon.
- A possible motive: Two law enforcement officials tell CNN investigators believe the suspect in the hostage situation at a Texas synagogue may have been motivated by a desire to free Aafia Siddiqui, 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.
- Local and national leaders are monitoring: President Biden has been briefed on the situation, according to a tweet from White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott as well as both Texas senators, Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, all said they continue to monitor the situation.
What we know about the synagogue where the hostage situation is unfolding
From CNN’s Alaa Elassar and Michelle Watson
At least four people are being held hostage at the Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas, according to a law enforcement official.
Congregation Beth Israel is affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism, whose website indicates the congregation serves 157 membership families.
The synagogue, established in 1999 with 25 membership families, was the first Jewish congregation in Northeast Tarrant County, according to CBI’s website. The CBI community officially opened its doors to its own new building in 2005.
CBI holds Sabbath morning services every Saturday, and members and non-members alike are welcome to watch along from home on the livestream, a practice many synagogues have adopted in the wake of the pandemic.
Officials say suspect in hostage situation believed to be motivated by case of prisoner linked to terrorism
From CNN’s Evan Perez and Shimon Prokupecz
Two law enforcement officials tell CNN investigators believe the suspect in the hostage situation at a Texas synagogue may have been motivated by a desire to free Aafia Siddiqui, 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.
The sources tell CNN that assessment is based on both discussions with the suspect and audio heard on the synagogue’s livestream.
Dallas Police deploys more officers to area synagogues as a precaution
From CNN’s Tina Burnside
Dallas Police Department is deploying additional Patrols to Dallas synagogues and other sites as a precaution following the ongoing hostage situation at the Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, City of Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson tweeted on Saturday evening.
Police are working with the Jewish Federation and our local, state and federal partners to monitor any concerns of threats based on the situation in Colleyville, the tweet stated.
Texas governor says he’s monitoring the synagogue hostage situation
From CNN’s Tina Burnside
In a tweet Saturday evening, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said he is closely monitoring the situation in Colleyville.
“The Texas Dept. of Public Safety is on the scene of the tense hostage situation in Colleyville, Texas. They are working with local and federal teams to achieve the best and safest outcome,” the governor tweeted.
Sen. John Cornyn on synagogue situation: “Please pray for the hostages inside”
Texas Sen. John Cornyn has been briefed by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on the hostage situation at a synagogue in Colleyville, according to a tweet from Cornyn’s official account.
“Please pray for the hostages inside and law enforcement on the scene.,” he added.
President Biden has been briefed on the Texas synagogue hostage situation
From CNN’s Arlette Saenz
President Biden has been briefed on the developing hostage situation at a Texas synagogue and top members of his national security team are in touch with federal law enforcement leaders, according to a tweet from White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki.
US representative from synagogue’s district says she’s “praying for safety and quick resolution”
Rep. Beth Van Duyne, who represents the area where the hostage situation is taking place in the US House of Representatives, said she is “praying for safety and quick resolution for all involved” in a tweet from her official account.
At least four people are being held hostage at the Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas, according to a law enforcement official, and the situation is ongoing.
Source: https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/texas-synagogue-hostage-situation/index.html
