Four ‘held hostage’ after man storms synagogue during live-streamed service

The man is reportedly holding hostages in Dallas Fort Worth (Picture: AP / Congregation Beth Israel)

Authorities are negotiating with a man who has allegedly taken people hostage at a synagogue in Texas, according to US media reports.

An armed suspect claiming to have bombs in unknown locations took a rabbi and three others hostage at the Congregation Beth Israel in the Dallas-Fort Worth area of Colleyville, a source told ABC News.

An official with knowledge of the situation said that the man is claiming to be the brother of convicted terrorist Aafia Siddiqui, though his identity has not been confirmed.

He is said to be demanding his sister’s freedom from an 86-year prison sentence.

Siddiqui was convicted in 2010 by a New York City Federal Court of attempting to kill US military personnel. 

She is currently incarcerated at the Federal Medical Center, Carswell in Fort Worth, Texas.

Colleyville police secure the area around Congregation Beth Israel synagogue (Picture: AP)

The incident happened while religious services were being live-streamed (Picture: Congregation Beth Israel)

The assailant took the hostages during religious services which were being live-streamed at around 11.30am.

According to local media, a person – believed to be the suspect – was heard saying ‘I’m going to die’, before the live-stream cut off.

It is unclear who he was saying this too. 

Star-Telegram reporter Jessika Harkay, quoted him as saying: ‘I’m going to die, are you listening? I’m going to die doing this alright? Are you listening? I’m going to die. Don’t cry about me.’

A grab from a video of the live stream just before it was cut off (Picture: @AdamBershad)

The suspect claims to be the brother of convicted terrorist Aafia Siddiqui (Picture: AP)

The White House has confirmed it is monitoring the situation with the FBI assisting local police. The Department of Homeland Security has also been briefed.

There is only one suspect at this time.

It is not clear to what extent he is armed.

Colleyville Police Sgt Dara Nelson said no injuries have been reported.

She added that the FBI have made contact with the suspect and there is ‘no threat to the general public’.

Colleyville police said on Twitter that it was conducting SWAT operations on the block where the building is located and said that all residents in the immediate area were being evacuated.

This is a developing news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.

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