Two teenagers were arrested in England as part of the investigation into a hostage-taking incident at a synagogue in Texas over the weekend.
British citizen Malik Faisal Akram, 44, from Blackburn, was shot dead after a standoff with police in Colleyville. According to US police sources, Akram arrived in the country via New York’s JFK International Airport two weeks ago.
Akram’s brother Gulbar confirmed his rother’s death in a statement carried on the Blackburn Muslim Community Facebook page. He apologized to the victims and said his brother had been suffering from mental health issues.
The Metropolitan Police earlier confirmed counter-terror officers were in contact with US authorities and the FBI.
The siege began at around 11:00 local time (16:00 GMT) when police were called to the Congregation Beth Israel synagogue in the suburb of Dallas.
Akram gained initial access to the synagogue during the service by claiming to be a homeless man, according to a police source quoted by CBS.
Among the hostages was the synagogue’s rabbi. One was released after six hours with the other three being led to safety by police several hours later.
All of the hostages at the synagogue were freed unharmed.
The hostage-taker was heard demanding the release of Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani neuroscientist who is currently serving a 86-year term in a prison in Forth Worth, Texas, about 20 miles away from the synagogue, law enforcement officials told local media.
Sources: BBC, The Guardian
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