On a cold Saturday morning in January 2022, Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas, was a quiet sanctuary in a small community. As Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker prepared to lead a livestreamed service, a man, later identified as Malik Faisal Akram, arrived at the synagogue. His presence would change the course of the day forever.

A new documentary, “Colleyville,” directed by award-winning filmmaker Dani Menkin, reveals never-before-seen footage from the synagogue’s 13 security cameras, documenting the harrowing 11-hour hostage crisis in real-time. The film offers a chilling yet profoundly human look at the bravery of the hostages and the resilience of a community under threat.

The day began with an act of kindness. Security footage shows Akram ringing the doorbell and being welcomed inside by Cytron-Walker, who offered him tea and a place to warm up. “I was just trying to do what we do on any other day: offer kindness and welcome,” the rabbi said.

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But at 10:40 a.m., the atmosphere shifted dramatically. Akram pulled out a gun and turned the four people present into hostages. “I’ve got semi-automatic guns. I’ve got two bombs, 80% of Jewish people are going to die if you don’t comply,” he shouted.

The security footage, revealed for the first time in “Colleyville,” captures every tense moment. Akram’s demands centered on the release of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, known as “Lady al-Qaeda,” held in a nearby Fort Worth prison. He believed his actions could force global intervention, fueled by antisemitic conspiracy theories about Jewish control of the world.

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“His distorted perception was that either President Trump or President Biden would intervene, as he held onto the antisemitic belief that Jews control the world and could influence such a decision,” Menkin told Fox News Digital.

An armed Malik Faisal Akram watching one of his hostages, Rabbi Cytron-Walker. (Courtesy: Hey Jude productions)

The film highlights Akram’s increasingly erratic behavior and chilling rhetoric, including his declaration: “I love death more than you Jews love life.” Cytron-Walker said upon reflection that Akram “believed all the lies told about Jewish people – the Jews control the banks, the media, the world. It was a dangerous combination of extremism and antisemitism.”

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Akram eventually allowed congregant Larry Schwartz to leave. (Courtesy: Hey Jude productions)

Despite the fear, the hostages worked together to find moments of solidarity and opportunities to act. At one point, Akram allowed elderly congregant Larry Schwartz to use the restroom, warning him not to attempt an escape. Shane Woodward, who was in the process of converting to Judaism, pretended to feel ill and convinced Akram to let him leave. Before exiting, Shane negotiated to switch places with Larry, ensuring the older man’s safety.

As the hours wore on, the tension escalated. Akram fired a shot into the ceiling, an alarming act captured on camera. Cytron-Walker, drawing on his training in active shooter scenarios, waited for the right moment. That moment came when Akram held a cup of liquid in his dominant hand, temporarily preventing him from pulling the trigger.

“I saw how he held the cup, and I knew it was our best chance,” Cytron-Walker told Fox News Digital. In a decisive move, he threw a chair at Akram, creating a window for escape. “We weren’t far from the exit. It was a split-second decision, but it was the culmination of hours of watching, waiting, and thinking.”

The hostages bolted out of the synagogue, with Cytron-Walker leading the charge. Moments later, law enforcement stormed the building, ending the standoff. None of the hostages were physically harmed, though the psychological toll of the ordeal lingered. “It was a horrible day, but we had so much to be grateful for,” he said.

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A law enforcement vehicle sits in front of Congregation Beth Israel on Jan. 16, 2022, in Colleyville, Texas. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

“Colleyville” combines the raw intensity of the security footage with poignant storytelling, offering viewers an unflinching look at the rise of antisemitism and the enduring strength of those who face it. “The footage itself was something that hadn’t been seen before,” Menkin said. “It’s incredibly rare to see a drama like this unfold in such a cinematic way. The raw emotions, the tension – it’s a terrifying reminder of the danger of hateful ideologies.”

Cytron-Walker, who had long been an advocate for interfaith engagement, emphasized the importance of balancing Jewish values with security. “Love the stranger is a lot harder than love your neighbor,” he said. “But we have to protect ourselves too.” Since the crisis, his synagogue has significantly increased its security budget.

Released at a time of rising antisemitism worldwide, Cyrton-Walker said, “We’re seeing more of this kind of hatred,” adding, “It’s even more important now to love the stranger while ensuring proper security.”

A North Texas band is among the nearly 40 participants selected to march in the Presidential Inaugural Parade on Monday.

The parade followed the swearing-in ceremony.

The Shivam Dohl Tasha Pathak is a Plano-based group blending a traditional Indian drum and symbol ensemble with modern music.

The band was started a decade ago by Harish Nehate and Nikhil Potbhare.

“Our effort has been to take it out and let everyone enjoy it. It is music, I mean, no one is bereft of music,” said Potbhare.

The band, which now includes dozens of members, has performed at several sporting events like a Mavs game last year.

But Monday night practice in a parking lot in Plano was for a much broader audience.

“We have to practice, practice, practice until we don’t get it wrong,” said Nehate.

On Monday, the group will perform in the Presidential Inaugural Parade after accepting an invitation last month from the Trump Vance Inaugural Committee.

“I see this email and I just start shouting and they’re like, ‘What happened?’ and I’m like, we’re going to DC!” said Nehate.

The President, Vice President, their spouses, and special guests will watch the parade as it passes in front of the Presidential Reviewing Stand, according to the schedule of events.

The 1.8-mile route begins at the Capitol and ends at the White House.

“Getting accepted is such an amazing thing to experience, I mean, think about it,” said Potbhare.

Selected out of numerous applicants, they are one of two bands invited from Texas.

Drummer Pranav Bhosale says this will be the first time an Indian group has ever performed at an inaugural parade.

“So it is an honor for our group to do it for the first time,” said Bhosale.

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On Tuesday, the Texas House voted for a new speaker in a race that will greatly impact the 2025 legislative session.

Rep. Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, was able to pick up enough votes from both Democrat and Republican members to secure the win after two rounds of voting.

Burrows defeated Rep. David Cook, R-Mansfield, after the two candidates went to a runoff. In the first round of voting, Rep. Ana-María Rodríguez Ramos, D-Richardson, did not receive as many votes as Burrows and Cook and was eliminated from the race.

Here’s how lawmakers voted in the runoff between Burrows and Cook: