Manchester police arrested two counter-terrorism officers As part of an investigation into the attack on the Texas synagogue by British hostage-taker Malik Faisal Akram.
Akram, who was originally from Blackburn in Lancashire, was shot dead when the FBI entered the Congregation Beth Israel synagogue in Colleyville on January 15 following a 10-hour stand-off.
Akram, 44 (pictured above), took four hostages but released them unharmed.
Counter Terrorism Policing North West issued a statement on Wednesday saying: “Officers of Counter Terrorism Policing North West continue with their investigation after the events in Texas. They have been supporting US law enforcement and they are cooperating closely with them.
“As part the local investigation two men were arrested in Manchester this morning. The men are being questioned.
Malik Faisal Akram appears in this photograph taken at Dallas’ faith-based daytime outreach centre on January 2, 2022
This is the Congregation Beth Israel synagogue, Colleyville (Texas), Jan. 16-2022. Akram took four hostages before they were taken by FBI SWAT and SWAT team members.
“We will continue to collaborate with other forces colleagues.”
The two men who were arrested in Birmingham on January 20th as part of the identical probe, have been released without further action.
Christopher Wray, FBI Director, called the incident an antisemitic event. Joe Biden, President of USA said that it was an act terror.
Last Friday’s press conference in Texas was held by the FBI. Akram stated that he wasn’t known to anyone and hadn’t had any prior contact with US intelligence.
It said that Akram is being analyzed by the bureau.
Akram had flown from New York to New York in December 29, before travelling to Texas to join the Congregation Beth Israel Synagogue.
Akram was believed to have a criminal background. MI5 investigated him in 2020, but found that he wasn’t a credible threat for national security. This is according to official sources to the PA news agency.
It’s not clear yet how he managed to get to the US, despite having a criminal record in Britain.
According to the FBI, they are ‘working hard’ to find out more information about Akram’s acquisition of the gun he owned.