What we know about hostage-taker following standoff at Colleyville synagogue

The hostage-taker in Saturday’s standoff at a Colleyville synagogue was a British national, according to the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

Asked for information about the standoff at Congregation Beth Israel, a spokesperson for the office said, “We are aware of the death of a British man in Texas and are in contact with the local authorities.”

The office is a ministerial department.

“We pursue our national interests and project the UK as a force for good in the world. We promote the interests of British citizens, safeguard the UK’s security, defend our values, reduce poverty and tackle global challenges with our international partners,” according to a statement on its website.

Officials said at a press briefing said Saturday night that the rescued hostages are being interviewed by FBI and will be reunited with their families as soon as possible. The hostage-taker died.

‘Grateful,’ rabbi says in Facebook post

Charlie Cytron-Walker, the rabbi of Beth Israel who was one of four people held hostage for more than 10 hours in their Colleyville synagogue, expressed gratitude in a Facebook post early Sunday morning that he and members of his congregation made it out of the situation safely.

“I am grateful that we made it out,” he said in the post. “I am grateful to be alive.”

The four hostages were freed Saturday night after being held at the synagogue. The hostage situation has made international headlines, and Cytron-Walker’s status in the community, as well as his collected approach during the situation, have garnered support for the rabbi.

As of Saturday morning, Cytron-Walker’s post had more than 1,000 shares and nearly 400 comments.