Two Briton teenagers arrested following synagogue siege
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The FBI has opened an investigation with "global reach" on the man who took four hostages in a synagogue in Colleyville, Texas on Saturday.
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Police in front of the Beth Israel synagogue in Colleyville Texas on January 16, 2022 (AP)
Two Briton teenagers were arrested on Sunday night in Manchester, Britain, after an armed British man identified as Malik Faisal Akram, 44, took four hostages in a synagogue on Saturday in Colleyville, Texas, and was killed afterward.
The ages and genders of the two teenagers arrested in Britain remain unknown and they remain in custody for investigation into the attack. UK law enforcement continues to collaborate with the US into the investigation.
The hostage-taker was demanding the release of Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani neuroscientist convicted on charges of terrorism. 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 Greater Manchester police released a statement saying the “CTP [counter terror policing] North West and CTP International operations continue to assist the investigation being led by the US authorities, and police forces in the region are liaising with local communities to put in place any measures to provide further reassurance.”
On his part, US President Joe Biden called the hostage situation an "Act of terror."
When asked how Akram obtained firearms in the United States, Biden replied he didn't know all the details, but claims "the assertion" was that he purchased the weapons on the street when he landed.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed Akram was a resident of Blackburn in Lancashire.
Akram's brother Gulbar uploaded a post confirming his brother's death and denouncing his actions. He added that Akram was "suffering from mental health issues," and condemned "any attack on any human being."
