FBI says no ongoing threat after hostages released

COLLEYVILLE, Texas — After the hostage situation concluded with the release of all four people who were held at Congregation Beth Israel, a representative for the FBI says there is no ongoing threat.

“I do not have any information right now that indicates that this is part of any kind of ongoing threat,” says Matthew Desarno, the special agent in charge of FBI Dallas during a briefing with reporters at a press staging area a quarter of a mile from the synagogue.

“We obviously are investigating, and will continue to investigate,” he says, noting that the area remains an active crime scene.

Over 200 law enforcement officers were involved in the hostage situation throughout the day, including a special hostage rescue team of 60 to 70 members who flew in from Washington, DC.

The hostage rescue team breached the synagogue at around 9 p.m., Colleyville Police Chief Mike Miller says.

All of the hostages were adults, he adds.

Area residents who were evacuated from the neighborhood are still not allowed to return home, since the area is an active crime scene, a police representative told The Times of Israel.