US President Joe Biden has been briefed about the developing hostage situation in Colleyville, Texas, where a man suspected to be the brother of convicted terrorist Aafia Siddiqui is holding four people hostage, including a rabbi, at the Congregation Beth Israel synagogue.

While President Biden has not yet put out a statement, the White House has said that it is closely monitoring the situation for any sign of escalation. Meanwhile, Israel Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has said that he is praying “for the safety of the hostages and the rescuers.”

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The situation unfolded on Saturday morning during a live-streamed service at the Congregation Beth Israel synagogue, and the man could be heard negotiating with police before the feed was cut. He allegedly mentioned Islam, his sister, and repeatedly said that he was going to die.

Reports suggest that the man is armed and has bombs planted in unknown locations in the synagogue, and it is not clear what kind of weapons he has.

The FBI responded promptly to the hostage situation and negotiations are underway to secure the safe release of the hostages. SWAT teams have been deployed and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) has also sent personnel to assist with the rescue efforts.

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Given the probable involvement of a suspected terrorist, the Dallas Police Department has also dispatched additional units, not just to Colleyville, but to other synagogues in the Dallas area as a precaution.

Officials on scene have told CNN that they suspect that the man may be motivated by a desire to free Aafia, who is serving an 86 year prison sentence for assaulting US federal officials in 2008 at the Carswell Air Force Base near Fort Worth, mere miles from Colleyville where the situation is unfolding.