Colleyville hostage updates – Malik Faisal Akram identified as man who took Texas synagogue members hostage
THE Texas synagogue hostage-taker was identified as Malik Faisal Akram, a 44-year-old British citizen.
Akram kept members of the Congregation Beth Israel synagogue in Colleyville captive for almost 12 hours on Saturday after storming the temple and demanding to speak to convicted terrorist Aafia Siddiqui.
After the dramatic rescue, Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker said he is "grateful to be alive."
Rabbi Cytron-Walker was among the hostages and took to Facebook to express his gratitude for law enforcement and first responders, and the thoughts and prayers.
"I am grateful that we made it out," he wrote. "I am grateful to be alive."
Texas Governor Greg Abbott tweeted that all hostages were rescued on Saturday night, and are "alive and safe."
Read our synagogue hostage siege live blog for the latest news and updates...
Authorities reportedly brought man out of synagogue
In a tweet, Dallas News reporter Jamie Landers claimed that authorities were seen "bringing a man wearing a robe and a black yarmulke out of Beth Israel."
It's unclear if only one person was brought out of the building, and how many others may still be inside.
Police are collaborating with FBI
In a statement, Colleyville police said they are working closely with state and federal law enforcement.
"This is a joint investigation of the Colleyville PD and the FBI's Dallas Field Office," the statement read.
The siege is being monitored and addressed by the FBI's Dallas Field Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety, North Tarrant Regional SWAT Team, and other local agencies.
Who is Aafia Siddiqui?
Aafia Siddiqui, also known as "Lady Al-Qaeda," was once identified as a member of Al-Qaeda, although it is not known if she is still with the group.
Born on March 2, 1972, Siddiqui is 49 years old.
She has been linked to 9/11 ringleader Khalid Sheikh Mohammed according to .
Reportedly, she studied at M.I.T. and received a doctorate from Brandeis, according to the outlet.
She is also a mother of two.
Muhammad Siddiqui's attorney refutes allegations
Annette Lamoreaux, Muhammad Siddiqui's attorney, spoke on behalf of her client and denied his connection to the hostage scenario, The Daily Beast .
Muhammad Siddiqui, an architect, "wanted people to know that Aafia was not the suspect’s biological 'sister,'" Lamoreaux told the outlet.
Lamoreaux represented Muhammad in 2004, when he was questioned by the FBI in regards to his sister's case and her connection to al-Qaeda.
Local community refutes Muhammad Siddiqui identification
Though Aafia Siddiqui was mentioned by the suspect, authorities have not confirmed that one of her family members is connected to the Colleyville hostage scenario.
Journalist Sana Saeed said that local community members refuted the claim by some news outlets that Mohammad Siddiqui is the suspect.
Attack began during livestream
According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, the attack on the Colleyville synagogue began while services were being livestreamed on Facebook.
The live recording reportedly captured muffled audio of what might have been negotiations with police.
No video footage of the events inside the synagogue was streamed, but speech from the suspect was audible, as well as the sound of a different voice apparently on the phone with police.
President Biden has been briefed on situation
Jen Psaki tweeted that President Biden is monitoring the situation in Colleyville.
"He will continue to receive updates from his senior team as the situation develops," Psaki stated.
"Senior members of the national security team are also in touch with federal law enforcement leadership."
Authorities investigating connection to Aafia Siddiqui
The man who took hostages at the Coleyville synagogue has called for the release of Aafia Siddiqui from prison.
NBC News Correspondent Tom Winter said that authorities are "trying to determine IF the man is related to Siddiqui."
Winter said that while the suspect has been named as her brother, Muhammad Siddiqui, that is "far from confirmed at this point, officials say."
Israeli prime minister speaks out
The Prime Minister of Israel has spoken out about the hostage situation.
"I am closely monitoring the hostage situation taking place in Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas," Naftali Bennett tweeted.
"We pray for the safety of the hostages and rescuers."
No injuries reported at this time
A Colleyville PD spokeswoman, Sgt. Dara Nelson, told local outlet WFAA that no one has been injured inside of Congregation Beth Israel.