Share this @internewscast.com

The suspect accused of taking several hostages during a standoff at a synagogue in Colleyville, Texas, has been identified.

According to CNN, the FBI identified the suspect as 44-year-old Malik Faisal Akram, a resident of England. Authorities recovered three remaining victims after a standoff that lasted close to 11 hours. Akram, who had recently taken a flight to the U.S., was killed during the incident.

“Prayers answered. All hostages are out alive and safe,” Gov. Greg Abbott tweeted on Sunday.

As CrimeOnline previously reported, Akram reportedly demanded that a convicted terrorist with a history of anti-Semitism be released from prison. Numerous sources said Akram was demanding the release of Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani neuroscientist who was convicted of the assault and attempted murder of an American soldier in Afghanistan.

Siddiqui was found in Afghanistan in 2008 with documents about explosives and American landmarks. While she was being interrogated, she reportedly got a hold of a rifle and started firing on soldiers, according to the Associated Press.

FILE – In this July 17, 2008, file photo, Aafia Siddiqui, possible al-Qaida associate, is seen in the custody of Counter Terrorism Department of Ghazni province in Ghazni City, Afghanistan. The man who authorities say was holding hostages inside a Texas synagogue on Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022, demanded the release of Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani woman who is imprisoned on charges of trying to kill American service members in Afghanistan. (AP Photo/ File)

The situation came to a dramatic conclusion around 9 p.m. Saturday, when an FBI hostage rescue team breached the building. WFAA-TV captured a now-deleted video showing several hostages running out of the building and someone holding a gun, partially exiting and then returning inside.

Moments later, the television station recorded footage of a loud blast that briefly illuminated the darkness outside of the building, followed by multiple other bangs. A SWAT team was clearly visible moving around the perimeter.

Akram entered Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville just before noon local time. The man was claiming to have bombs in unspecified locations.

ABC News initially reported that the hostage-taker was referring to Siddiqui as his “sister,” even though they may not actually be siblings. A lawyer for Siddiqui’s actual brother said that he was in Houston at the time of the hostage situation and was not involved in the matter.

At this point, there is no evidence that what happened Saturday is part of a larger plot. However, police departments across the country have ramped up patrols near synagogues in response.

Check back for updates.

For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast. 

Join Nancy Grace for her new online video series designed to help you protect what you love most – your children.

[Feature Photo: FILE – People rally demanding the release of Aafia Siddiqui, who was convicted in February 2010 of two counts of attempted murder, and who is currently being detained in the U.S. during International Women’s Day in Karachi, Pakistan, Tuesday, March 8, 2011. The man who authorities say was holding hostages inside a Texas synagogue on Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022, demanded the release of Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani woman who is imprisoned on charges of trying to kill American service members in Afghanistan. (AP Photo/Fareed Khan, File)]

Source: This post first appeared on

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Man Executes Estranged Wife Awaiting Divorce Finalization, Police Report

Left: Ronald Lowry (Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office). Right: Richelle Lowry (Family handout/KUSA).…

Shocking Incident: Pastor Allegedly Pushes Elderly Woman Down Church Steps, Resulting in Severe Injuries

Inset: Pastor Lorenz Roseman. Background: Surveillance video allegedly showing California church elder…

Amish Mother Acquitted in Drowning Case Due to Insanity Plea

An Amish mother, who tragically drowned her 4-year-old son in a lake…

Airport Employee Faces Court Over Alleged Offensive Gesture Towards Jewish Children

An airport worker has faced court over claims he performed a Nazi…

Sheriff Reveals Shocking Case of Starved Boys Under Strict Parental Discipline

Inset, left to right: Dulce Crystal Bazan Castillo and Auturo Bazan-Perez (Oakland…

Police Report: Man Allegedly Ambushes Mother in Bathroom Following Dispute Over Speaker Use

Background: The West Des Moines, Iowa, neighborhood where Nathan Norrell allegedly stabbed…

Mother Arrested as Unsupervised Toddler Found Intoxicated

By Staff Reporter GAINESVILLE, Fla. – A Gainesville woman, Voynara Ashely Barcelo,…

Tragic Loss: Brave 12-Year-Old Dies Protecting Sister from Bullies at Charter High School

Inset: Khimberly Zavaleta (GoFundMe). Background: Reseda Charter High School in the San…

Shocking Verdict: Mom Avoids Prison After Forcing Family into Lake in Bizarre ‘Worthiness’ Test

Left inset: Ruth Miller (Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office). Right inset: The boat…

Arkansas Tragedy: Man Faces Charges in Stepson’s Fatal Shooting

A man from Arkansas has been officially charged with murder following the…

Tragic Hit-and-Run: 22-Year-Old Killed by Semitruck While Changing Tire as Girlfriend Watches in Horror

Inset: Alejandro Covarrubias (GoFundMe). Background: Interstate 5, south of the Templin Highway…

Justice Served: Inmate Who Escaped Prison with Blanket Rope After Brutal Crime Finally Sentenced

Main: Michael Burham in court for his sentencing hearing on March 2…