Texas Rabbi Recounts Dramatic Escape From Synagogue

As a gunman ranted, the hostages whispered instructions and edged closer to the door. The rabbi credited security training for their safe exit.

DALLAS — The Texas rabbi held hostage on Saturday said that he and the other two remaining hostages escaped by throwing a chair at the gunman and then fleeing the synagogue where they had been held for 11 hours.

Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker credited security training with the successful escape — which involved whispered instructions, edging closer to the door and talking with the gunman, who was agitated and ranting.

President Biden called the attack an “act of terror” on Sunday, and the F.B.I. said it was investigating the attack as a “terrorism-related matter.”