Texas: Aafia Siddiqui's release demanded and hostage taker killed in synagogue
All the hostages at a synagogue in Coliwell, Texas, were released on Saturday night, and their captor was killed.
A joint press conference between Collieville Police and the FBI stated that four people were taken hostage at the synagogue and were released, while the suspect was killed.
According to the FBI, the identity of the attacker will not be revealed yet so that the investigation is not affected. It was stated during the press conference that the accused did not harm any hostage but his only demand was.
The FBI declined to comment on the man's demands, but said it could not immediately be reached for comment.
It should be noted that when this incident took place in the Congregation Beth Israel synagogue, the worship that was taking place here was being live-streamed. In this live stream feed, a person could be heard shouting that he did not want to harm anyone.
According to security officials, the man was heard demanding the release of Pakistani doctor Aafia Siddiqui, who was imprisoned in the United States, but now the feed has been removed.
Dr. Aafia Siddiqui was convicted by a US court of seven counts of attempted murder and attempted murder of US military and government officials in Afghanistan and sentenced to 86 years in prison.
Earlier, Texas Governor Creek Abbott said in a tweet that all the hostages had been released.
He wrote in his tweet: 'Prayers answered. All the hostages were taken out alive and well.
On the other hand, Collieville Police also announced in their tweet announcing the safety of the hostages: "The situation in Collieville has been resolved and all the hostages are safe. We are working with the FBI to finalize all the details. "
How many people were in the synagogue?
Initially, according to a statement from Coleville police, "a hostage was released by the man after 5pm local time, who is in good health.
A law enforcement official told the Associated Press that the man claimed to be armed but could not confirm that.
It is believed that two law enforcement officials initially told the Associated Press on condition of anonymity that there were at least four people in the synagogue, including a monk.
Security officials also told US media that the man was heard demanding the release of a Pakistani woman imprisoned in the United States who is currently serving an 86-year sentence in the United States.
Who is Aafia Siddiqui?
Aafia Siddiqui |
Dr. Aafia was arrested by Afghan police in July 2008 for possessing chemical ingredients and writing about an attack on New York that could have resulted in heavy casualties.
According to authorities, Dr. Aafia picked up a rifle and fired shots at the soldiers when asked about the discovery of chemical ingredients and articles about the attack in New York. No Americans were injured in the attack.
Dr. Aafia's lawyers took the position that Aafia snatched the rifle and fired in a state of disgust. He was of the view that Aafia's action had nothing to do with terrorism.
Aafia Siddiqui was convicted by a US court of seven counts of attempted murder and attempted murder of US military and government officials in Afghanistan and sentenced to 86 years in prison.
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