Hostage situation at Texas synagogue

The director of the Anti-Defamation League, a US-based non-profit organization that combats antisemitism, called for vigilance in securing synagogues and Jewish institutions following the hostage situation in Texas.

"This situation is a painful reminder of the fact that synagogues in America continue to be at risk for terrorist attacks," said Jonathan A. Greenblatt, the organization's CEO and national director.

Greenblatt added that the organization urged "continued vigilance in securing synagogues and all Jewish institutions."
"The risks remain high in light of the historic level of antisemitism across the country and the proliferation of anti-Jewish hate online," he said.

He also thanked authorities for their work in safely bringing out all hostages.

At a news conference tonight, FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge Matthew DeSarno said authorities are still investigating the suspect's motive, but believe "he was singularly focused on one issue, and it was not specifically related to the Jewish community."

President Joe Biden praised law enforcement officials for the rescue of four hostages at a synagogue in Colleyville, Texas, and condemned anti-Semitism in a statement released by the White House Saturday night.

"We are sending love and strength to the members of Congregation Beth Israel, Colleyville, and the Jewish community," Biden said.
“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.”

Though all hostages are now safe, the Congregation Beth Israel synagogue is still an active crime scene, with bomb technicians clearing the site, said Colleyville Police Chief Michael Miller at a news conference.

He added that all the hostages were adults, though did not give further information on their ages or identities.

Police immediately set up a perimeter around the synagogue, evacuated houses in the area, and called out a regional SWAT team. The FBI was contacted, as well as the ATF and other federal partners.

Authorities negotiated with the suspect "all day," Miller said, adding there was "constant communication with him."

Eventually, the suspect released one hostage, who was not harmed and is now doing well, Miller said.

The hostage rescue team entered the synagogue at about 9 p.m., rescuing the other three hostages. The suspect is dead, Miller confirmed.

Authorities have identified the suspected hostage taker but cannot release his identity to the public at this time, said Matt DeSarno, the special agent in charge at FBI Dallas, at an ongoing news conference.

He added there is no sign yet this is part of "any ongoing threat," and that investigators believe the suspect was focused on "one issue that was not specifically threatening to the Jewish community."

There will be further investigation into the suspect's contacts and motives, with authorities already in touch with partners in other countries, DeSarno said.

The four hostages rescued are unharmed and will be reunited with their families soon, he added.

The suspect in the hostage situation is dead, Colleyville police confirmed at a news conference on Saturday night after all hostages were rescued safely.

"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.

The hostage situation in a synagogue in Colleyville, Texas, is over, according to Texas authorities.

In a statement at 9:55 p.m. local time (10:55 p.m. ET), Colleyville police confirmed the situation was "resolved," adding they were working with the FBI to "finalize all details."

• All hostages are out and safe, according to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. A rabbi is believed to be among the four people who had been held hostage at the Congregation Beth Israel. One hostage was safely released by the suspect earlier this evening.
• The operation: About 20 minutes before Abbott said the hostages were out, a CNN team on the ground heard a loud bang, and a short blast of rapid gunfire from the direction of the synagogue.
• The suspect: The status of the suspect is unclear. Investigators believe he may have been motivated by a desire to free Aafia Siddiqui, who is serving an 86-year sentence in federal prison on charges of attempting to kill US service members.
• News conference incoming: Officials will soon host a news conference, where more details are expected.

Officials will give a news conference at 11:15 p.m. ET following the successful hostage rescue, according to a spokesperson from the Colleyville police.

We'll be watching and providing live updates here.

All hostages held in the Congregation Beth Israel are out and safe, according to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in a tweet. No other details on their release were included.

A CNN team in Colleyville heard a loud bang, followed by a short blast of rapid gunfire coming from the direction of the Colleyville synagogue.

CNN journalists Ed Lavandera and Ashley Killough are about a third of a mile from the Congregation Beth Israel Synagogue where the hostages are being held.