Close Menu
News JournosNews Journos
  • World
  • U.S. News
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Europe News
  • Finance
  • Turkey Reports
  • Money Watch
  • Health
Editors Picks

Trump Comments on Military Force, Citing Greenland Tensions but Not Canada

May 4, 2025

Hegseth Promises to Repeal 2017 “Woke” Program Implemented by Trump

May 1, 2025

Trump Casts Doubt on NATO Allies’ Commitment to Defense and U.S. Treaty Obligations

March 7, 2025

Trump Proposes Deportation of U.S. Citizens to Foreign Prisons

April 16, 2025

Senate Review of Medicare Abuse Could Impact Trump Administration’s Bill, According to Hassett

June 8, 2025
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Latest Headlines:
  • Russia Increases Use of Banned Chemical Weapons in Ukraine, Reports European Intelligence
  • Ozgur Ozel Addresses Party Dynamics in Confession About Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu
  • UN Rapporteur Faces Backlash Over Anti-Israel Report on Companies
  • Google Photos Introduces AI-Powered ‘Ask Photos’ Search Feature in the US
  • Fire Erupts on Dismantled Tanker at Aliağa Port
  • El Salvador President Refutes Prison Abuse Allegations by Kilmar Abrego Garcia
  • Zelenskyy and Trump Discuss Joint Defense Initiatives in Productive Call
  • PETA Distributes Vegan Hot Dogs at Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest
  • Exploring Affordable Stocks Set for Second-Half Gains
  • Russia Recognizes Taliban Rule in Afghanistan, China Welcomes Decision
  • Lion Escapes and Attacks Woman and Two Children on Busy Pakistan Street
  • Schools Combat AI Cheating by Reverting to Pen and Paper Exams
  • What’s Open and Closed on July 4, 2025? Store and Business Hours Revealed.
  • Dozens Injured in Rome Gas Station Explosion
  • Apple’s F1 Achievement Overshadowed by AI Challenges
  • Gangs Control 90% of Port-au-Prince as Violence Escalates, Warns UN
  • Supreme Court Approves Deportation of Migrants from Djibouti to South Sudan
  • Poland Achieves Milestone with Renewables Surpassing Coal in Electricity Generation
  • Broadcaster Jabs Yankees Announcer After Blue Jays’ 4-Game Sweep
  • Miki Sudo Triumphs in 2025 Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest Women’s Division
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
News JournosNews Journos
Subscribe
Friday, July 4
  • World
  • U.S. News
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Europe News
  • Finance
  • Turkey Reports
  • Money Watch
  • Health
News JournosNews Journos
You are here: News Journos » World » Retired FBI Agent Comments on Abduction of Tennessee Pastor in South Africa
Retired FBI Agent Comments on Abduction of Tennessee Pastor in South Africa

Retired FBI Agent Comments on Abduction of Tennessee Pastor in South Africa

News EditorBy News EditorApril 11, 2025 World 5 Mins Read

In a concerning incident, Josh Sullivan, a 45-year-old pastor, was kidnapped during a church service in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa on Thursday evening. Several armed, masked assailants invaded the church, forcibly taking Sullivan and escaping in his vehicle after stealing the cell phones of parishioners. As negotiations commence, experts emphasize the importance of a measured approach to ensure Sullivan’s safe return.

Article Subheadings
1) Incident Overview: The Kidnapping of Pastor Sullivan
2) The Role of Authorities and Negotiators
3) Community Response and Support for the Sullivan Family
4) Potential Motives Behind the Kidnapping
5) Next Steps in the Negotiation Process

Incident Overview: The Kidnapping of Pastor Sullivan

On Thursday evening, while preaching at Fellowship Baptist Church in Eastern Cape Province, Josh Sullivan faced a harrowing ordeal as armed and masked men invaded the premises. The gunmen disrupted the service, grabbing cell phones from congregants before fleeing with Sullivan in his own vehicle. Eyewitnesses reported a scene of chaos and fear, with parishioners left shaken following the brazen attack, which occurred during what should be a peaceful evening of prayer. Sullivan, who has been in South Africa with his family since 2018, is renowned in the local community for his dedication to missionary work.

The Role of Authorities and Negotiators

As investigations begin, Jason Pack, a retired FBI agent and hostage negotiator from Knoxville, offers insight into the ongoing situation. Pack informed that U.S. authorities are maintaining close collaboration with South African officials, who are spearheading the investigation. The U.S. embassy and the FBI’s legal attaché office in South Africa will play crucial roles in navigating the complexities faced during hostage scenarios. Pack emphasizes the importance of communication: “Negotiators want to buy time and slow things down,” he explains. The initial moments of such incidents are highly charged, with the risk of violence peaking due to the adrenaline present in all parties involved.

Community Response and Support for the Sullivan Family

Following the kidnapping, the local community has rallied around Josh Sullivan and his family. Reports indicate that residents of Tennessee, where Sullivan originated, have joined in prayer and support, expressing hope for his safe return. The sentiment among family and friends is one of urgent compassion; many are independently reaching out to local authorities to remain updated on the situation, demonstrating communal solidarity in a time of fear and uncertainty. “Most of these things are settled with words and not force,” Pack adds, reiterating that the community’s involvement can contribute positively to the resolution of this crisis.

Potential Motives Behind the Kidnapping

While the precise motive behind the kidnapping remains unclear, Pack speculates it may be financially driven rather than politically motivated. “If there is a silver lining in any of this, it would be that none of the other family members were hurt,” he states. This indicates that the kidnappers may have targeted Sullivan specifically for ransom rather than a broader anti-American agenda. Such insights are critical in framing how negotiators approach the situation, allowing them to potentially establish dialogue that may facilitate Sullivan’s release without violence.

Next Steps in the Negotiation Process

As the situation develops, experts agree that the utmost priority remains Sullivan’s safe return to his family. “The main goal now is the safe return of Pastor Sullivan to his family… without anyone getting hurt,” Pack emphasizes. Indeed, strategies centered around dialogue rather than confrontation could potentially yield better outcomes. Negotiators aim to slowly cultivate trust with the kidnappers, ensuring open communication and, ideally, leading to Sullivan’s release without further escalation of violence.

No. Key Points
1 Pastor Josh Sullivan was kidnapped during a service in South Africa.
2 U.S. and South African authorities are collaborating on the investigation.
3 The local community has shown support for Sullivan’s family.
4 Experts believe the kidnapping may be financially motivated rather than political.
5 Negotiators prioritize dialogue and communication over force in such situations.

Summary

The kidnapping of Pastor Josh Sullivan has raised significant concern both locally and within the United States. With ongoing negotiations aiming for his safe return, experts indicate that a careful approach to communication and dialogue will be pivotal. The community’s support further underscores the human aspect of this crisis, highlighting the shared hope for Sullivan’s prompt and safe recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What happened to Josh Sullivan during the church service?

Josh Sullivan was kidnapped by armed assailants who invaded the church during a service, seizing cell phones and ultimately taking him away in his own vehicle.

Question: What are authorities doing to secure Sullivan’s return?

U.S. authorities are closely collaborating with South African officials and negotiating for Sullivan’s safe return while emphasizing communication as a critical tool in the process.

Question: What do experts believe is the motive behind the kidnapping?

Experts suggest that the kidnapping may be financially motivated, with negotiations aiming to resolve the situation without violence.

Abduction Africa Agent Climate Change comments Conflict Zones Cultural Diversity Diplomatic Talks Economic Cooperation FBI Geopolitical Tensions Global Economy Global Health Global Innovation Global Politics Human Rights Humanitarian Crises International Relations International Security Migration Crisis Pastor Peace Negotiations Retired South Tennessee Trade Agreements Transnational Issues United Nations World Governance
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Email Reddit WhatsApp Copy Link Bluesky
News Editor
  • Website

As the News Editor at News Journos, I am dedicated to curating and delivering the latest and most impactful stories across business, finance, politics, technology, and global affairs. With a commitment to journalistic integrity, we provide breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert insights to keep our readers informed in an ever-changing world. News Journos is your go-to independent news source, ensuring fast, accurate, and reliable reporting on the topics that matter most.

Keep Reading

World

Russia Increases Use of Banned Chemical Weapons in Ukraine, Reports European Intelligence

6 Mins Read
World

UN Rapporteur Faces Backlash Over Anti-Israel Report on Companies

6 Mins Read
World

Russia Recognizes Taliban Rule in Afghanistan, China Welcomes Decision

5 Mins Read
World

Dozens Injured in Rome Gas Station Explosion

5 Mins Read
World

Gangs Control 90% of Port-au-Prince as Violence Escalates, Warns UN

6 Mins Read
World

North Korean Man Evades Military and Landmines to Enter South Korea

5 Mins Read
Mr Serdar Avatar

Serdar Imren

News Director

Facebook Twitter Instagram
Journalism Under Siege
Editors Picks

Trump Expresses Optimism for Russia-Ukraine Negotiations This Week

April 20, 2025

Trump Pardons Spark Increased Demand for Lobbying Services

May 31, 2025

Fed Chair Warns Trump Tariffs May Increase Inflation and Hinder Economic Growth

April 4, 2025

Trump and Trudeau Discuss Ukraine, Hockey, and Border Security in Recent Call

February 22, 2025

Trump Officials Propose Rule to Deny Work Permits for Asylum Seekers

June 3, 2025

Subscribe to News

Get the latest sports news from NewsSite about world, sports and politics.

Facebook X (Twitter) Pinterest Vimeo WhatsApp TikTok Instagram

News

  • World
  • U.S. News
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Europe News
  • Finance
  • Money Watch

Journos

  • Top Stories
  • Turkey Reports
  • Health
  • Tech
  • Sports
  • Entertainment

COMPANY

  • About Us
  • Get In Touch
  • Our Authors
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Accessibility

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business.

© 2025 The News Journos. Designed by The News Journos.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

Ad Blocker Enabled!
Ad Blocker Enabled!
Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Please support us by disabling your Ad Blocker.