Texas synagogue hostage-taker revealed to be UK national
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US authorities announce that their investigation into the man that took people hostage in a Jewish synagogue in Texas will have a "global reach".
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US police surrounding the Texas synagogue
The FBI has opened an investigation with "global reach" on the man who took four hostages in a synagogue in Colleyville, Texas on Saturday.
All four hostages were secured and the hostage-taker, who was demanding the release of a Pakistani neuroscientist convicted on charges of terrorism, was killed after police stormed the building.
The neuroscientist he wanted released was Aafia Siddiqui. It is not currently known whether the two are connected in any way, but her lawyer says she "has absolutely no involvement" in the hostage situation and condemned it.
The man was later identified as British national Malik Faisal Akram, according to US news outlets. British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss denounced the man's actions, calling them an "act of terrorism and anti-Semitism."
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
As for the investigation, FBI special agent Matthew DeSarno told reporters in Colleyville - after the standoff ended - that the investigation would "have global reach".
