Authorities have identified the man who took several people hostage at a Texas synagogue.
The FBI confirmed on Sunday that the hostage-taker was 44-year-old Malik Faisal Akram, a British citizen. Faisal, who investigators said was “singularly focused on one issue” that was “not specifically related to the Jewish community,” was reported dead during a Saturday night press conference, and all the hostages were released.
No other information was released by the FBI, and the terrorism task force “will continue to follow investigative leads,” according to a news release from the federal agency.
ALL HOSTAGES ‘OUT ALIVE AND SAFE’ FROM TEXAS SYNAGOGUE: GOVERNOR
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced the rescue after reporters on the scene claimed to hear a loud explosion. The hostages, all of whom are adults, are “not in need of medical attention,” according to statements at a press conference.
Faisal had previously identified himself on a stream as being related to Aafia Siddiqui, who is serving an 86-year sentence for the attempted murder of a U.S. soldier. However, Muhammad Siddiqui, the biological brother of Aafia Siddiqui, said that he was not the man holding the congregants hostage, his lawyer told the Council on American-Islamic Relations.
There is an online movement advocating for Aafia Siddiqui’s release, with supporters professing her innocence. Supporters have also staged protests in the United States calling for her freedom, with CAIR planning an event supporting her release.
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CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell also issued a statement condemning the hostage situation, saying no cause can “justify or excuse this crime.”
“We strongly condemn the hostage-taking at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas. This latest antisemitic attack at a house of worship is an unacceptable act of evil. We stand in solidarity with the Jewish community, and we pray that law enforcement authorities are able to swiftly and safely free the hostages,” Mitchell said.
