“Colleyville Synagogue Hostage Crisis”
Federal Bureau of Investigation, Dallas Division
On January 15, 2022, a United Kingdom national of Pakistani descent took four men hostage in the Congregation Beth Israel synagogue in Colleyville, Texas during a livestreamed Sabbath
service. Local, state and federal law enforcement responded including FBI Dallas personnel. The subject, a fervent Islamic extremist, demanded the release of a high-profile Pakistani national who was convicted of terrorism-related charges. Over a 10-hour period, negotiators maintained regular dialogue with the subject and the hostages resulting in separate deliveries of food and medical supplies and the release of one hostage. Ultimately, the crisis was resolved with the safe recovery of the remaining hostages and a tactical resolution by the FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team. This presentation will review the negotiations as well as the integration of these efforts with the command post and tactical units.
Presented by: Special Agent Matthew Wilkins, FBI Dallas
Special Agent Matthew Wilkins is an 18-year veteran of the FBI, having served in both the Tampa and Dallas Divisions. Over the course of his career, Agent Wilkins has investigated a variety of criminal and national security investigations including public corruption, financial crimes and counterintelligence matters. Agent Wilkins has been an FBI Crisis Negotiator for the past 9 years and is a member of the FBI Dallas Crisis Negotiation Team.