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Texas synagogue hostage-taker known to MI5 – reports — Analysis

MI5 reportedly closed an investigation lasting “four weeks” into Malik Faisal Akram, allowing him to travel to the US and purchase a gun

The 44-year-old British man who held hostages at a Texas synagogue on Saturday is reported to have been ruled to not be a threat after a “mid-level” four-week long investigation in 2020 by the UK’s domestic MI5 spy agency.

Malik Faisal Akram was 44 years old and was fatally shot by police. Akram had interrupted a service at the synagogue’s Saturday worship service, holding hostages for 10 hours, and then he killed himself. US President Joe Biden quickly condemned the incident, calling it “an act of violence.” “act of terror,”and by the UK government which has condemned “those who spread hate.”

British citizen Akram was originally from Blackburn, north England. The FBI named him as hostage-taker. UK Counter Terrorism Police is supporting the US-led investigation.

MI5 has previously done a “mid-level”Investigation into Akram took place “over four weeks,”British media sources citing government sources said that before concluding that the man did not present a threat to terror, there was no reason to limit his freedom to travel internationally. 

FBI identifies Texas synagogue hostage taker

The investigation had reportedly been completed, and Akram was listed on MI5 as a closed subject. However, it is thought that the UK did not provide any information to the US authorities prior to the hostage situation.

Prior to the shooting at the synagogue, he was able purchase a firearm in the USA and travel there. In the aftermath of the hostage situation, it was reported that Akram held a UK criminal record but not for terrorist convictions. 

In a now-deleted post on the Blackburn Muslim Community’s Facebook page, Akram’s brother claimed he had suffered from mental health issues. Priti Patel, UK Home Secretary, publicly stated the following Monday: “full support”British authorities were involved in the investigation.

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