Biden: We will confront anti-Semitism and the rise of extremism

U.S. President Joe Biden praised law enforcement efforts to free the hostages taken by a gunman at a synagogue in Colleyville, Texas.

“Thanks to the courageous work of law enforcement, local and federal, the four Americans taken hostage at a synagogue in Texas will soon be home with their families. I commend the tireless work of law enforcement at all levels who acted together and fearlessly to free the hostages.” – the president said in a statement.

“We send our wishes of love and strength to members of Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville and the Jewish community. We will learn more about the hostage taker’s motives in the coming days. But let me be clear to anyone who intends to spread hatred: we will stand against anti-Semitism and the rise of extremism in our country,” Biden stressed.

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris also thanked law enforcement officials and expressed solidarity with the synagogue community.

“While we have yet to learn the motives of the hostage taker, we know: what happened yesterday at Congregation Beth Israel is a reminder that we must speak out and fight anti-Semitism and hatred wherever they exist,” Harris said.