Colleyville mayor praises response by city employees, community during synagogue attack
Colleyville Mayor Richard Newton and Police Chief Michael Miller thanked police, fire and public works in the city, along with other local, state and federal agencies, for the response to Saturday’s attack on Congregation Beth Israel.
Four people were taken hostage at the Colleyville synagogue on Saturday by 44-year-old British citizen Malik Faisal Akram, and the standoff continued for almost 11 hours.
After one hostage was released earlier in the day, Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker threw a chair at Akram, allowing him, Jeffrey Cohen and a fellow congregant to escape. Shortly after their escape, Akram was fatally shot by the FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team.
“This was known by leaders of the world, and I say that just to fill you in on how big a deal this was,” Newton said at the council’s regular meeting Tuesday. “The plan led by Chief Miller and Special Agent in Charge DeSarno was executed perfectly.”
Miller said he was incredibly proud of the work done by his department, especially how prepared they were to ask for and receive help from other agencies ranging from neighboring police departments to the FBI.
“Phenomenal, phenomenal job they did,” Miller said. “I’m so proud of our men and women and so proud of the partners we had.”
More than 200 law enforcement officers from across the region, the Texas Department of Public Safety and the FBI were involved in working to end the crisis, including the Northeast Tarrant Regional SWAT team and a specialized hostage rescue team from the FBI.
Newton said he has been fielding calls from the governor, president, FBI director and other state, national and world leaders who praised the response of police, fire and other city departments and leaders.
Newton said the support from the community was also incredible.
“I’m so thankful for the many prayers in our community the entire land of ours that were answered when Rabbi Charlie and other hostages were physically unharmed,” Newton said.
He said community members have been persistent in looking for ways they can help, from providing food to first responders and families of those who were held hostage.
