2 Men Arrested in U.K. in Connection with Texas Synagogue Hostage Situation: Police

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Two men have been arrested in the U.K. for an alleged connection to therecent Synagogue hostage situation in Texas, according to police.

Thursday morning, Greater Manchester Policeannouncedthat the two suspects were arrested in Birmingham and Manchester and “remain in custody for questioning.” Their identities have not been made public.

On Saturday, four hostages were held for hours inside a synagogue in Colleyville, Texas. The victims were later rescued and released.

“The SWAT situation in Colleyville is resolved and all hostages are safe,” the Colleyville Police DepartmenttweetedSaturday night. “We continue to work in partnership with the FBI to finalize all details.”

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Investigators believe that Akram orchestrated the hostage situation in order to demand the release of convicted terrorist Aafia Siddiqui,CNNreported.

Siddiqui, a neuroscientist who in 2010 was convicted on seven charges, including attempted murder and armed assault on U.S. officers in Afghanistan, is currently serving an 86-year prison sentence at a facility in Texas.

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In the wake of the hostage situation, PresidentJoe Bidenreleased astatementcondemning anti-Semitism and extremism.

“Thanks to the courageous work of state, local and federal law enforcement, four Americans who were held hostage at a Texas synagogue will soon be home with their families,” he wrote. “I am grateful to the tireless work of law enforcement at all levels who acted cooperatively and fearlessly to rescue the hostages. We are sending love and strength to the members of Congregation Beth Israel, Colleyville, and the Jewish community.”

He added, “There is more we will learn in the days ahead about the motivations of the hostage taker. But let me be clear to anyone who intends to spread hate—we will stand against anti-Semitism and against the rise of extremism in this country. That is who we are, and tonight, the men and women of law enforcement made us all proud.”

source: people.com