UPDATE - Gunman holding hostages at synagogue in US state of Texas: report

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By Servet Gunerigok

WASHINGTON (AA) - A gunman is holding four hostages at a synagogue in the US state of Texas, according to reports Saturday.

The ongoing situation is at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville.

The gunman is said to have entered the synagogue during a Shabbat morning service, Dallas Morning News reported.

CNN, citing a law enforcement official, said a rabbi is among the hostages.

There is an ongoing negotiation between an FBI crisis negotiator and the hostage taker.

ABC News identified the alleged gunman as Muhammad Siddiqui, who claims to be the brother of Aafia Siddiqu, who was charged with attempting to kill US soldiers and FBI agents during her interrogation in Afghanistan in 2008.

According to the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), Aafia was unjustly convicted of a crime that she did not commit and given an 86-year federal sentence.

Texas Senator Ted Cruz said on Twitter he is praying for hostages and "in close contact with local and national authorities."

Colleyville police said earlier they are conducting SWAT operations in the 6100 block of Pleasant Run Road, where the synagogue is located.

"The situation at the 6100 block of Pleasant Run Road posted about earlier remains ongoing. We ask that you continue to avoid the area. We will continue to provide updates via social media," it said on Twitter.