The family of the British man behind a synagogue attack in Texas has condemned his actions and said it is "absolutely inexcusable for a Muslim to attack a Jew."

In a statement on a public Facebook page, a man claiming to be the brother of Malik Faisal Akram, the man named by the FBI as the attacker in the Beth Israel hostage attack, said that his family was "absolutely devastated."

He also condemned the actions of Akram saying: "We would like to say that we as a family do not condone any of his actions and would like to sincerely apologize wholeheartedly to all the victims involved in the unfortunate incident."

https://www.facebook.com/BlackburnMuslimCommunity/posts/446904240312519

Yesterday, Malik Faisal Akram took several worshippers at the rabbi at the Beth Israel congregation on Colleyville Texas hostage for 11 hours in a tense standoff with SWAT teams and special agents from the FBI. All hostages were released unharmed.

Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker, one of the Beth Israel hostages, posted on Facebook after his ordeal, saying he felt "grateful to be alive."

FJOoQ1YWQAM-6GY Charlie Cytron Walker FB

During the siege at the synagogue, Akram was heard repeatedly demanding the release of Aafia Siddiqui, who is currently imprisoned in a nearby jail on terror charges.

The FBI has said that Akam was motivated by a single issue, believed to be Dr. Aafia's release, that was "unconnected to the Jewish community" and that they're continuing to look at possible motives.

Speaking to JC from Karachi, a source close to the family of Dr. Aafia said: "We distance ourselves from any kind of violence. We have never endorsed any violent action for the release of Dr Aafia who is a victim of injustice. We have and will continue to campaign peacefully for the release of Aafia."

The Simon Wiesenthal Center condemned those calling for Aafia's release saying: "The terrorist demanded the release of Dr. Aafia Saddiqui convicted of shooting at American troops in Afghanistan. Dr. Aafia Saddiqui not only hates Americans, but she is also a raving Jew-hater. At her trial in 2008, Saddiqui made continuous anti-Semitic comments and demanded that no Jew be allowed to serve on the jury."