Hostage situation: Aafia Siddiqui’s lawyer slashes link to synagogue crisis

Aafia Siddiqui has “absolutely no involvement” in the ongoing hostage situation in Texas’ Colleyville, the prisoner’s attorney said in a statement on Saturday. Siddiqui is believed to be the motivation for the hostage situation in the synagogue. 

Marwa Elbially said in a statement to CNN, “She does not want any violence perpetrated against any human being, especially in her name. It obviously has nothing to do with Dr. Siddiqui or her family.”

Minutes before Siddiqui’s lawyer spoke to the press, one of the hostages was released, local law enforcement officers said in a statement. One rabbi is also believed to be held hostage.

Aafia Siddiqui was reportedly sent to prison about 12 years ago after being convicted on at least seven charges, which included armed assault and attempted murder on a law enforcement officer. 

Also Read: Colleyville hostage situation: US President Biden briefed, additional police deployed

Greg Abbott, the Governor of Texas and a member of the Republican party, reacted to the release of one hostage and wrote on Twitter, “Prayers are being answered”. He added, “I talked with the Colleyville Mayor and offered the full assistance of the State of Texas.”

Earlier in the day, Abbott wrote, “The Texas Dept. of Public Safety is on the scene of the tense hostage situation in Colleyville, Texas. They are working with local and federal teams to achieve the best and safest outcome.”

Investigators believe that at least three more people have been held inside the Congregation Beth Israel as negotiations are ongoing. Officials from the Federal Bureau of Investigation have maintained contact with Muhammad Siddiqui, according to reports from CNN.

The officials said investigators have not positively identified the man and cautioned that the information was based on a preliminary investigation as the situation was still rapidly developing.