Both men arrested in connection with Texas Synagogue attacker released

Both men who were arrested in Manchester by UK Counter Terrorism Police have now been released without charges.

The men were thought to be connected with the Texas Synagogue 44-year-old terrorist, Malik Faisal Akram, who was shot dead by Police after an 11-hour standoff on January 15.

It isn’t clear whether the men were actually connected to the attack, or only with the terrorist, or had any social or financial activities with the terrorist.

Akram had attacked Congregation Beth Israel Synagogue in Colleyville, Texas on January 15 and held at least four people hostage. All of the hostages were ultimately freed unharmed after talks failed and Police resorted to killing the terrorist.

The terrorist was said to have entered the Synagogue by claiming to be homeless and had arrived in the US about two weeks prior to the attack. He was said to have lived mostly as a homeless person since his arrival.

Akram – who had a criminal record – was also on the British intelligence’s “active list” in 2020 but was demoted to the “subject of interest” list later the same year which allowed him to travel.

The FBI has been working closely with UK Counter Terrorism departments to determine whether Akram acted alone or was part of a group or terrorist organization.