Man takes hostages at Texas synagogue, demands release of prisoners linked to al-Qaeda

At least four people, including a rabbi, are being held hostage at Beth Israel Congregation in Colleyville, Texas, CNN report.

The hostage-taker has demanded the release of Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani neurologist who was convicted of trying to kill American soldiers in Afghanistan and is serving an 86-year sentence in a Texas prison.

An FBI SWAT team was on the scene.

According to FBI spokeswoman Katie Chaumont, police were called to the synagogue around 11 a.m. Related press report.

The services were live-streamed at the time, and the hostage-taker could hear chants of America and Islam. He also identified himself as a “bomb man” before the feed was cut.

Authorities evacuated the surrounding area.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki confirmed on Twitter that President Biden was briefed on the situation and that Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett tweeted that he is “praying[ing] for the safety of the hostages and rescuers.