A Texas SWAT team responded Saturday afternoon to reports of a possible hostage situation at a synagogue near Dallas.
By Adam Sabes
A Texas SWAT team responded Saturday afternoon to a hostage situation at a synagogue near Fort Worth, where law enforcement officials have facilitated the release of one hostage, but three others are reportedly still inside.
The Colleyville Police Department said on Twitter that they are conducting SWAT operations “around the 6100 block of Pleasant Run Rd.”
All residents in the immediate area of the incident are being evacuated, according to the tweet.
Colleyville Police on X (formerly Twitter): “We are currently conducting SWAT operations around the 6100 block of Pleasant Run Rd. All residents in the immediate area are being evacuated. Please avoid the area. / X”
We are currently conducting SWAT operations around the 6100 block of Pleasant Run Rd. All residents in the immediate area are being evacuated. Please avoid the area.
The Congregation Beth Israel’s address is 6100 Pleasant Run Rd.
The police department posted an additional update at 1:20 p.m. stating that the situation is ongoing and advised individuals to avoid the area.
According to ABC News, the rabbi and three others are being held hostage at the synagogue.
In a statement, Colleyvile Police Department Sargeant Dara Nelson said that their department received a call for service at 10:41 a.m.
Currently, the Colleyvile Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety, North Tarrant Regional SWAT Team, and other neighboring agencies are on the scene of the incident.
Law enforcement officials have confirmed that no injuries are currently reported, and Federal Bureau of Investigation crisis negotiators are in communication with the subject of the incident, according to the statement.
One male hostage was released with no injuries shortly after 5:00 p.m., according to Nelson.
“Shortly after 5:00pm, a male hostage was released uninjured. This man will be reunited with his family as soon as possible and he does not require medical attention. FBI Crisis Negotiators continue contact with the subject,” Nelson said.
A source told Fox News that the hostage taker has taken interest in Aafia Siddiqui, who was sentenced to 86 years in prison in 2010 for attempting to murder and assault U.S. military personnel and is currently being held at Federal Medical Center Carswell, prison in Fort Worth.
Siddiqui is also referred to as “Lady al Qaeda.”
