FBI Investigating Texas Synagogue Attack as ‘Terrorism-Related Matter’

The FBI said late Sunday that it is investigating the taking of hostages at a Texas synagogue a day prior as a “terrorism-related matter.”

“This is a terrorism-related matter, in which the Jewish community was targeted, and is being investigated by the Joint Terrorism Task Force,” the bureau said.

Malik Faisal Akram, 44, a British national, stormed inside the Congregation Beth Israel synagogue in Colleyville, interrupting services and taking four hostages, authorities have said.

On a livestream, he was heard demanding the release of Pakistani-born Aafia Siddiqui, a neuroscientist who is serving an 86-year prison sentence after being convicted for attempting to murder and assault Americans in Afghanistan.

Speaking to reporters Saturday evening, FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge Matt DeSarno said that the suspect “was singularly focused on one issue, and it was not specifically related to the Jewish community.”