The hostage-taking took place during a service, which was streamed live for a while on the synagogue’s Facebook page. Viewers overheard apparent negotiations between the alleged hostage-taker and the police. The newspaper Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported that during the live stream, an angry man could sometimes be heard ranting and talking about religion. It was impossible to see what was happening in the synagogue.
Just before 2 p.m. (local time), the man said: ,,You have to do something. I don’t want to see this man dead.” Moments later, the connection dropped. Police spokesman Dara Nelson said FBI negotiators are in contact with the person in the building. “There is no threat to the general public at this time,” he added. Police are asking people to avoid the area.
The man repeatedly mentioned his sister and Islam and used profanity. He also said several that he thought he was going to die, reported the Star-Telegram. It is not clear whether he was armed. It is also unknown how many people were in the building in Colleyville.
Colleyville is a community of approximately 26,000 people, 14 miles northeast of Fort Worth.
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