The hostage situation at a Texas synagogue is believed to be linked to terrorism and may have been motivated by a desire to free Aafia Siddiqui, who is serving an 86-year sentence at a facility in Texas, CNN reported citing local authorities.
Two law enforcement officials told CNN that Siddiqui was convicted in 2010 on seven charges, including attempted murder and armed assault on US officers in Afghanistan.
The sources tell CNN that the investigator’s assessment is based on both discussions with the suspect and audio heard on the synagogue’s livestream.
Meanwhile, the Dallas Police Department is deploying additional Patrols to Dallas synagogues and other sites as a precaution as the hostage situation continues at the Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, the Dallas Morning News reported.
Police are working with the Jewish Federation and our local, state and federal partners to monitor any concerns of threats based on the situation in Colleyville, the tweet stated.
President Biden has been briefed on the situation and top members of his national security team are in touch with federal law enforcement officials, according to a tweet from White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki.
As a precaution, @DallasPD is deploying additional patrols to Dallas synagogues and other sites. Police are working with the Jewish Federation and our local, state, and federal partners to monitor any concerns or threats based on the situation in Colleyville.
— Mayor Eric Johnson (@Johnson4Dallas) January 15, 2022
.@POTUS has been briefed about the developing hostage situation in the Dallas area. He will continue to receive updates from his senior team as the situation develops. Senior members of the national security team are also in touch with federal law enforcement leadership.
— Jen Psaki (@PressSec) January 15, 2022
