Mark Slapinski
An armed man is holding hostages at a synagogue in Colleyville, Texas as the FBI and local police try to defuse the situation. The attack was broadcast live on Facebook before it was removed by the platform. Purported images of the suspect were immediately circulated on social media, with some incorrectly describing the man as Palestinian. The FBI later confirmed the man’s identity as Malik Faisal Akram.
There is an ongoing hostage situation at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville. The latest reports are that the FBI is currently on site trying to deescalate the situation. The incident triggered widespread panic on social media, with members of the Jewish faith condemning the attack and hoping for the safety of the hostages. Some news outlets incorrectly identified the man as Palestinian. Others on social media pointed out the attacker had a distinct “British Pakistani accent.”
Local police in Colleyville stated that a SWAT team is on site. Police are advising people to avoid the area, as near-by buildings are evacuated.
CORRECTION: Users on social media incorrectly identified Sam Hyde as being the attacker. The image of him has been removed, and replaced with an aerial photograph of the synagogue. The attacker was originally identified as a Palestinian man, but it was revealed the attacker was British National Malik Faisal Akram. Read more about our editorial standards.
