Counterterrorism police in the U.K. have named the Texas synagogue attacker as British citizen Malik Faisal Akram.
Assistant Chief Constable Dominic Scally for Counter Terror Policing North West said: “Firstly, our thoughts remain with everyone affected by the terrible events that took place in Texas on 15 January. We can confirm that the suspect, who is deceased, is 44 year old Malik Faisal Akram, originally from the Blackburn area of Lancashire.”
As part of the ongoing investigation into the attack that took place at the Synagogue in Texas, Officers from Counter Terror Policing North West also made two arrests. Two teenagers were detained in South Manchester on January 16 and have since been released without charge. An address in North Manchester has been searched as part of the investigation.
Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Dominic Scally, of Counter Terrorism Policing North West, said on January 18: “CTP North West is continuing to assist with the investigation which is being led by U.S. authorities. Overnight, constructive meetings with colleagues from the United States have taken place.”
Police forces in the Manchester region are also liaising with local communities to put in place any measures to provide further reassurance.
It is thought that Akram had traveled to the United States just two weeks ago, and while he does not appear to have a criminal history in the U.S, he was known to U.K. authorities, having been the subject of an investigation in late 2020. He was later assessed to be no longer a risk but questions will be asked as to how he came to reach the U.S. without American authorities being notified.
This story was updated on January 19 to include additional information about the arrests and Akram’s background.
