British citizen Malik Faisal Akram recognized as Texas hostage taker

On January 16 (native time), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) recognized Synagogue hostage-taker as 44-year-old British citizen Malik Faisal Akram. As per reviews, he had come to the US two weeks in the past. Akram’s brother alleged he was affected by psychological well being points.
He had demanded the discharge of scientist-turned terrorist of Pakistani origin, Aafia Siddiqui, aka girl al-Qaeda who’s serving an 87-year sentence in jail close to the Synagogue the place the incident happened. Earlier, Akram was heard asking to talk to her “sister”, which led to speculations he may very well be Muhammad Siddiqui, Aafia’s brother. However, Aafia’s lawyer and her precise brother refuted the claims.
FBI’s assertion on Texas hostage disaster
FBI Dallas issued an announcement within the matter revealing the hostage-taker’s identification. In the assertion, they stated, “Special Agent in Charge Matthew DeSarno of the FBI Dallas Field Office confirmed today the identity of the Colley, Texas hostage-taker as British Citizen, Malik Faisal Akram, 44.” The assertion additional added that the Evidence Response Team (ERT) would proceed to course of proof on the Synagogue.
For fast launch from @FBIDallas concerning the #Colleyville incident. pic.twitter.com/Bybpmao5JH— Colleyville Police (@ColleyvillePD) January 16, 2022
It additional stated preliminary proof didn’t point out the involvement of another particular person. “The FBI’s North Texas Joint Terrorism Task Force (NTJUF), which includes member agencies from across the region, will continue to follow investigative leads. An FBI Shooting Incident Review Team (SIRT) will conduct a thorough, factual, and objective investigation of the events,” it added.
Akram’s ‘devastated’ brother Gulbar Akram shared a message on social media wherein he revealed he had been working with the FBI and ‘liaising’ together with his sibling all through the stand-off. He apologised and blamed ‘mental health issues’ for Malik’s actions.
Two youngsters detained in Manchester
Greater Manchester Police stated in an announcement they’d detained two youngsters from South Manchester in connection to the hostage incident.
#UPDATE | Counter Terrorism Policing North West replace following the occasions in Texas: pic.twitter.com/Q3o08bc8Js— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) January 16, 2022
They stated, “As a part of the ongoing investigation into the attack that took place at a Synagogue in Texas on January 15 2022, Officers from Counter Terror Policing North West have made two arrests in relation to the incident. Two teenagers were detained in South Manchester this evening. They remain in custody for questioning.” The identification of the detained youngsters was not revealed.
Akram’s brother blamed ‘mental health issues’ for the incident
Akram’s brother Gulbar stated in a web based submit that his household was devastated by the incident. He stated, “We would like to say that we as a family do not condone any of his actions and would like to sincerely apologise wholeheartedly to all the victims involved in the unfortunate incident.”
He stated although his brother was affected by psychological well being points, he was assured Akram wouldn’t hurt the hostages. “There was nothing we could have said to him or done that would have convinced him to surrender. Obviously, our priority will be to get him back to the UK for his funeral prayers, although we have been warned it could take weeks.”
He additionally questioned how his brother was allowed to enter the US regardless of having a legal report.
Blackburn Muslim Community ‘prayed’ for ‘highest rank of paradise’ for Akram
After studying concerning the identification of the hostage-taker, Blackburn Muslim Community issued an announcement on its Facebook web page wherein they prayed for the “highest rank of paradise” for Akram. In the now-deleted submit, they stated, “Faisal Akram has sadly departed from this temporary world and returned to his creator. He was son of Mohammad Malik Akram and the brother of Gulbar, Malik, Nasar, Yassar and Late Gulzameer Akram.”
The Blackburn Muslim Community expressed their condolences upon listening to of the loss of life of Malik Faisal Akram. https://t.co/4Gp76Nik2U pic.twitter.com/7nZVhAqKIS— CeaseAntisemitism.org (@CeaseAntisemites) January 16, 2022
It additional added, “May the almighty forgive all his sins and bless him with the highest ranks of Paradise.”
President Biden referred to as the incident ‘an act of terror’
While responding to the incident, US President Joe Biden referred to as it “an act of terror”. While speaking to the reporters in Philadelphia, he stated, “This was an act of terror. This was an act of terror. And it not only was related to someone who had been arrested, but I might also add, 15 years ago and been in jail for ten years — the idea that it was something new.”

He additional added he talked to the Attorney General and instructed him that he would wish to inform the locations of worship that such incidents wouldn’t be tolerated. “We have this capacity to deal with the assaults on particularly the anti-Semitism that has grown up,” he stated.
When requested why the hostage-taker focused the particular Synagogue, US President stated, “Well, no, I don’t. I don’t think there is sufficient information to know about why he targeted that Synagogue or why he insisted on the release of someone who’s been in prison for over ten years, why he was engaged — why he was using anti-Semitism and anti-Israeli comments. We just don’t have enough facts.”
He additional stated the weapons Akram used within the hostage incident have been purchased after coming into the US. He stated, “He purchased them when he landed, and it turns out there apparently were no bombs that we know of. Apparently, he spent the first night in a homeless shelter. I don’t have all the details yet, so I’m reluctant to go into much more detail.”
Rabbi’s assertion
Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker, who was one of many hostages, issued an announcement through a spokesperson. He stated, “Over the years, my congregation and I have participated in multiple security courses from the Colleyville Police Department, the FBI, the Anti-Defamation League, and Secure Community Network. We are alive today because of that education. I encourage all Jewish congregations, religious groups, schools, and others to participate in active-shooter and security courses.”
Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker, who was held hostage final evening with three congregants at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, TX, has launched an announcement by way of a spokesperson. pic.twitter.com/NkUCwZ49NJ— Matthew Kassel (@matthewkassel) January 16, 2022
He additional added, “In the last hour of our hostage crisis, the gunman became increasingly belligerent and threatening,” Cytron-Walker added. “Without the instruction we received, we would not have been prepared to act and flee when the situation presented itself.”
Cytron-Walker stated there was no query it was a traumatic expertise. He thanked everybody for the love, prayers and assist. “We are grateful for the outcome. We are resilient, and we will recover,” he added.

In a Facebook submit, Cytron-Walker stated he was grateful to be alive.