Gunman holds hostages at synagogue in Texas, one released

Gunman holds hostages at synagogue in Texas, one released

An FBI SWAT team was on the scene and law enforcement negotiated with the gunman.

By ARIELLA MARSDEN

A rabbi and three others were taken hostage during a Shabbat service at the reform Beth Israel Synagogue in Colleyville, Texas, on Saturday.

One hostage has been released, leaving three remaining hostages, according to police.

According to multiple news outlets, the gunman demanded the release of Pakistani Al-Qaeda-affiliated Aafia Siddiqui, who is serving an 86-year prison sentence for multiple felonies including trying to kill US Army officers.

The gunman demanded to meet with Aafia in negotiations with the FBI as well as have her released from a federal medical facility where she has been held for the last few days.

According to CNN, the gunman spoke to a New York-based rabbi earlier in the day on the phone and told him that he was doing this because Aafia was framed.

He also threatened that he had bombs placed at the scene, but this was not confirmed by law enforcement.

Full story https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-692626