On Saturday, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) shot dead a gunman at the Congregation Beth Israel synagogue at Colleyville in Texas after he took four hostages, including a rabbi, near Dallas-Fort Worth area. On Sunday, the FBI verified that the gunman was a 44-year-old British citizen called Malik Faisal Akram, who had entered the United States (US) on a tourist visa from the United Kingdom (UK).
Matthew DeSarno, the FBI’s special agent in charge in Dallas, said that the bureau’s Evidence Response Team is processing evidence from the synagogue adding, “At this time, there is no indication that other individuals are involved.”
On Sunday, the Greater Manchester Police confirmed that they had detained two teenagers in connection to the incident in Texas. According to NBC News, the two teenagers are Akram’s sons.
In a statement, Akram’s brother Gulbar apologised to the victims on behalf of the family highlighting that Akram “was suffering from mental health issues... we were confident that he would not harm the hostages.” Gulbar condemned Akram’s actions, saying, “It is absolutely inexcusable for a Muslim to attack a Jew or for any Jew to attack a Muslim, Christian, Hindu vice versa, etc.”
Foreign Secretary of UK Lizz Truss also condemned the act of “terrorism and anti-Semitism” in a tweet, adding that Britain supports America’s efforts in combating hate.
My thoughts are with the Jewish community and all those affected by the appalling act in Texas. We condemn this act of terrorism and anti-semitism.
— Liz Truss (@trussliz) January 16, 2022
We stand with US in defending the rights and freedoms of our citizens against those who spread hate. 🇬🇧 🇺🇸 👇 https://t.co/36Eb8lRQTV
Prime Minister of Israel Naftali Bennett thanked American authorities for swiftly defusing the situation and rescuing all the hostages without any casualties. Bennett said, in a statement, “This event is a stark reminder that antisemitism is still alive and we must continue to fight it worldwide,” while also expressing support for the Jewish community in Colleyville.
In a statement, on Sunday, US President Joe Biden called the event “an act of terror” as he thanked local authorities and the FBI for doing “one hell of a job.” Biden affirmed that the US is staunchly against such attacks on synagogues or any other place of worship. Biden also alleged that the suspect purchased the gun “on the street,” adding that background checks during firearms purchases are crucial. “There’s so many guns that have been sold of late; it’s just ridiculous,” he said. Biden also confirmed that he will hold a press conference on Wednesday to provide detailed information over the incident.
During the 10-hour long stand-off and negotiation, Akram demanded the release of a Pakistani national Aafia Siddiqui, who was convicted in 2010 by the US for trying to kill Americans in Afghanistan and is currently serving an 86-year sentence at a federal prison in Texas. Marwa Elbially, the attorney representing Siddiqui, condemned Akram’s actions insisting that it was not related to efforts in securing Siddiqui’s release. “Dr. Aafia’s family has always stood firm in advocating for the release of their sister from incarceration by legal and non-violent means only,” Elbially said.
Siddiqui was captured by US forces in Afghanistan under suspicion of having instructions on how to make “dirty bombs” and plans to attack cities in the US. In 2015, the Islamic State offered to release American journalist James Foley, who was kidnapped in Syria, in exchange for Siddiqui - Foley was eventually beheaded. According to the Voice of America, Siddiqui is a big deal in Pakistan, where the population looks at her as a victim. In 2018, the Pakistani senate passed a resolution that gave Siddiqui the title of “Daughter of the Nation.”