Texas synagogue stand-off was an act of terrorism authorities confirm

Authorities in the US have confirmed a hostage situation at a synagogue in Texas at the weekend was an act of terrorism.

Akram, 44, originally from Blackburn in Lancashire, was shot dead when the FBI entered the building in Texas on January 15 following a 10-hour stand-off.

In a webinar hosted by the Anti-Defamation League on Thursday, FBI director Christopher Wray said the incident was "antisemitism", which would not be tolerated.

He said: "This was not some random occurrence. It was intentional. It was symbolic, and we're not going to tolerate antisemitism in this country."

The FBI continues to search phones and other devices as it investigates why Akram targeted the particular synagogue, he added.

Yesterday, two men were arrested in Birmingham and Manchester as part of the investigation.

Announcing the latest development, Greater Manchester Police said: "Officers from Counter-Terror Policing (CTP) North West continue to support US authorities with their investigation into the events in Texas.

"As a result of this ongoing investigation, two men have been arrested this morning in Birmingham and Manchester.

"They remain in custody for questioning.

"CTP North West officers continue to liaise with and support colleagues from other forces.

"Communities defeat terrorism and the help and support we get from the public is a vital part of that.

"So, we would urge everyone to remain vigilant, and if you do see anything suspicious then please report it, in confidence, to police via the anti-terrorist hotline or gov.uk/ACT

"It won't ruin lives but it may well save them."

Two teenagers arrested in Manchester following the incident were released without charge on Tuesday.

Audio footage appeared to reveal a tense final conversation between Akram and his younger brother Gulbar, in which the armed 44-year-old was urged to surrender by his sibling.

The recording, obtained by the Jewish Chronicle from a security source, features Gulbar pleading with his brother to stop.

He said: "Why are you doing that, man? What you doing that for, you know? What's wrong with you?"

Akram's replies include his request to die a martyr, as well as some expletive-laden and rambling attempts to justify his actions.

Gulbar, still trying to reason with the hostage-taker, said: "Why have you come to die for? Why though?

"Come on, man.

"You don't need to do this, whatever you're doing, man.

"Just pack it in, you'll get a bit of time and you'll come out.

"Think about your kids, man, these guys are innocent - these guys you've got there are innocent people, man."

Akram was investigated by MI5 in 2020 but deemed not to be a credible threat to national security at the time, official sources confirmed to the PA news agency.

It is not yet clear how Akram, who had a criminal record in the UK, was able to travel to the US two weeks ago. US officials believe Akram had a visa, arrived at John F Kennedy International Airport in New York and bought the handgun used in the incident.

According to reports, he stayed at a homeless shelter and is believed to have bought a gun on the street before taking four people hostage at the synagogue, one of whom was released after around six hours.

Akram was issued with an exclusion order from Blackburn Magistrates' Court in 2001, banning him from going near the building, sources confirmed to PA.

The order came as a result of his behaviour in an incident on the day after the September 11 terror attacks in the US, during which he reportedly shouted abuse at court staff.

Born in 1977, his criminal history is understood to date back to 1995 when he would have been about 18 years old. After that he spent time in and out of jail, first in 1996 for violent disorder.

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