In the US city of Colleyville, a kidnapper is holding several people captive in a synagogue. The police clear the area.
Colleyville – According to media reports, an armed kidnapper is holding several people in a synagogue in the US state of Texas. A police officer told CNN that at least four people were believed to be hostages from the Beth Israel community in Colleyville.
Police are asking people to avoid the area around the Colleyville synagogue. Among other things, the FBI is in action. “The FBI negotiators are the ones who have contact with the person in the building,” a police spokeswoman said, according to CNN. There is currently no danger for people outside the place of worship.
Hostage-taking in a synagogue in the USA: Perpetrator threatens with bombs
The Colleyville Police Department tweeted: “We are currently conducting SWAT operations (…). All residents in the immediate area are being evacuated. Please avoid the area.” According to ABC News, the kidnapper allegedly planted bombs at unknown locations.
UPDATED INFO: One suspect has taken the Rabbi and 3 others hostage at a synagogue in Colleyville, TX. The hostage-taker is claiming to be armed and says his sister is Aafia Siddiqui, who was convicted in New York of trying to kill US military personnel. @AaronKatersky @ABC
— Erielle Reshef (@ErielleReshef) January 15, 2022
A US official told the broadcaster that the kidnapper said he was the brother of a convicted Pakistani terrorist. The suspect called for the sister’s release, the official said. However, the identity of the perpetrator has not yet been determined.
AFP news agency reports that during a live broadcast of the congregation’s morning prayers, a man’s voice was heard asking to call his sister. He was also heard saying, “I’m going to die,” and “There’s something wrong with America,” according to the agency. (tvd)
