US: Gunman holds hostages at Texas synagogue

TEXAS, Jan. 16 (YPA) – A gunman held hostages at  the Congregation Beth Israel synagogue in Colleyville, Texas, according to tweets from Colleville police and BNO News.

Colville police stated that SWAT teams had arrived at the scene, and that all residents in the vicinity had been evacuated and called for avoidance of the area.

The media reported that the police had begun negotiations with the hostage-taker, whose identity had not yet been determined.

It noted that the gunman broke into the synagogue during a live broadcast, where he was heard saying “I will die”.

According to Colleville police, there are no injuries at this time.

The White House confirmed that President Joe Biden is following the latest developments in the synagogue.

It is not currently known how many people are there, as the gunman entered during Saturday prayers, as the synagogue has more than 1,600 members.

E.M