In the wake of a Tennessee pastor’s kidnapping while preaching at a church in South Africa, a retired FBI agent and hostage negotiator from Knoxville emphasized the importance of patience during negotiations. Jason Pack spoke to Fox News Digital, stating, “There should be no rush in negotiations. Calming things down and having open dialogue to understand what the hostage-takers want is crucial.”
Pack expressed confidence that U.S. authorities are actively communicating with South African officials leading the investigation. He noted that both the U.S. embassy and the FBI’s legal attaché office in South Africa are involved in the case.
According to Pack, “Negotiators aim to buy time and slow the situation down. During incidents like this, the adrenaline is high, significantly increasing the risk of violence. Now that there is time, it is vital to keep communication open to ensure a safe resolution for everyone involved.”
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The victim, Josh Sullivan, 45, was abducted by armed, masked men who invaded his church in the Eastern Cape Province on Thursday evening, taking cell phones from parishioners before driving away with Sullivan in his own truck.
Sullivan, who has been a missionary in South Africa since 2018, came with his wife and two children.
Pack highlighted that the primary goal for both South African and U.S. governments is to ensure the safe return of Pastor Sullivan to his family. He stated, “That’s the key goal here right now. If there is a silver lining in this situation, it is that none of the family members were harmed.”
Pack suggested that the motive behind the kidnapping might be financial rather than a political statement against Americans or missionaries. He said, “Hopefully, this indicates a willingness to engage in dialogue, allowing everyone to return home safely.”
He reminded that Sullivan and his family share a community in Tennessee, where locals are rallying in prayer for the pastor’s safe return. “The community is praying for the safe return of the pastor and his family to their loved ones here in East Tennessee,” he added.
Pack concluded with a crucial point: “Most of these situations are resolved through communication, not force. The more we can foster open dialogue, the higher the chances of a successful outcome in these types of situations.”
While capturing the kidnappers is important, Pack stressed that “the current priority is Mr. Sullivan’s safety. Catching the perpetrators can be addressed later.”
