Remaining hostages from Texas synagogue rescued, hostage-taker killed
get the free appThe remaining three hostages have been rescued from a synagogue in Colleyville, Texas, following a nearly 11-hour standoff, police said, and the hostage-taker was killed.
Law enforcement did not reveal the identity of the suspect.
One male hostage had previously been released from Congregation Beth Israel, which is located in a suburb of Dallas-Fort Worth, shortly after 5 p.m. local time, police said.
Around "60 or 70" members of the FBI hostage rescue team, which is based in Quantico, Virginia, flew out to Colleyville, police chief Mike Miller said at a media briefing after the incident was resolved. The team breached the synagogue around 9 p.m. local time and rescued the three remaining hostages, Miller said.
None of the hostages required medical attention.
Authorities did not reveal a specific motive, but the FBI said that it believes the hostage-taker was "singularly focused on one issue, and it was not specifically related to the Jewish community." A source close to the incident told CBS News that they believe the hostage-taker had asked for the release of Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani woman serving an 86-year sentence in federal prison for trying to kill U.S. officers in Afghanistan.
FBI Dallas special agent in charge Matthew DeSarno said Saturday night that there is no indication of "any kind of ongoing threat." He said the FBI will continue investigating the hostage-taker, and noted that the investigation would have "global reach."
Biden says "we will stand against anti-Semitism and against the rise of extremism in this country"
President Biden said in a statement that he is "grateful to the tireless work of law enforcement at all levels who acted cooperatively and fearlessly to rescue the hostages."
"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," Mr. Biden added. "That is who we are, and tonight, the men and women of law enforcement made us all proud."
Hostage-taker "deceased," police say
The hostage-taker is "deceased," police said at a press conference Saturday night. They did not identify the suspect. The FBI referred to the rescue operation that left the hostage-taker dead as a "shooting incident."
All hostages are "out alive and safe," Texas governor says
The remaining three hostages have been rescued, according to Texas Governor Greg Abbott. The condition of the hostage-taker was not immediately made clear.
"All hostages are out alive and safe," Abbott tweeted at 10:33 p.m. ET.
Situation remains "ongoing," police say
The hostage situation was still ongoing as of 9 p.m. local time, police said.
No further updates were given.
CAIR-Houston condems hostage-taker, says he is not related to Aafia Siddiqui
The Houston chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Houston) condemned the hostage situation in a statement on Saturday.
"This antisemitic attack against a house of worship is unacceptable," CAIR-Houston board chair John Floyd said. "We stand in solidarity with the Jewish community, and we pray that law enforcement authorities are able to swiftly free the hostages and bring them to safety."
Floyd also said that, contrary to prior reports, the hostage-taker is not the brother of Aafia Siddiqui, claiming he is "not even in the same region where this horrible incident is taking place."
"We want the hostage-taker to know that Dr. Aafia Siddiqui and her family strongly condemn this act and do not stand by you," added Floyd, who was described by CAIR-Houston as "long-time legal counsel for the brother of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui." "Dr. Aafia's family has always stood firm in advocating for the release of their sister from incarceration by legal and non-violent means only."
One hostage released
One of the hostages has been released, the Colleyville Police Department said in a statement. According to CPD, one uninjured male was released around 5 p.m., local time. A reason for his release was not given.
At least three hostages are believed to still be inside the synagogue. No injuries have been reported as of Saturday night.
Police say there are no known injuries
The Colleyville Police Department said Saturday night that hours into the negotiations with the suspect, there are no known injuries. Police said the situation has been ongoing since the department first received a call for service at approximately 10:41 a.m. local time.
Dallas police deploying patrols to nearby synagogues, mayor says
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson said police patrols will be deployed to Dallas synagogues and other sites "as a precaution," adding that officials are working to monitor any additional threats. Police departments in Los Angeles, New York City and D.C. also said they're increasing police presence around local synagogues based on the situation in Texas.
President Biden has been briefed on the situation
President Biden has been briefed on the situation, according to White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki. Psaki said senior members of Mr. Biden's national security team are in contact with federal law enforcement leadership.
Israel's prime minister says he's "closely monitoring" the situation
Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said he is "closely monitoring" the situation.
"We pray for the safety of the hostages and rescuers," he said.
Homeland Security Secretary briefed on incident
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has been briefed on the incident. The department is deferring questions about the situation to the FBI.
One of the hostages is believed to be a rabbi
One of the four hostages is believed to be a rabbi, a law enforcement source confirmed to CBS News' Pat Milton. The identity of the other hostages is not yet clear.
