Gulbar Akram, the brother of Malik Faisal Akram, who was killed on Saturday after taking hostages at Beth Israel in Colleyville Texas, spoke out on Monday, telling the media that his brother had a criminal record in the UK. It was also revealed Monday that the terrorist Akram was banned from a UK court after an unhinged rant about 9/11.

“He’s known to police. Got a criminal record. How was he allowed to get a visa and acquire a gun?” asked Gulbar incredulously, also indicating that he believed his brother had “mental health issues” according to the Manchester Evening News.

“We would like to say that we as a family do not condone any of his actions and would like to sincerely apologise wholeheartedly to all the victims involved in the unfortunate incident,” continued Gulbar.

Malik Faisal Akram lived in Blackburn Lancashire, and it’s believed that he landed in the US approximately two weeks ago, flying into JFK Airport in New York and continuing to the DFW area in Texas. 

He then proceeded on Saturday to enter the Beth Israel synagogue in Colleyville, just north of Fort Worth Texas. He managed to take four hostages and initiate an 11-hour-long standoff with authorities. The standoff ended with his being shot fatally and nobody else being hurt. 

He was calling for Aafia Siddiqui, an Al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist native to Pakistan who he called his “sister”, to be released, according to the Manchester Evening News. Siddiqui was caught and convicted of attempting to assasinate US military personnel in Afghanistan. 

The Muslim Council of Britain released a statement condemning the incident, saying: 

“We understand that the perpetrator is reported to be of British origin and a Muslim. His actions fall way short of what is expected of a Muslim. His family and local community in Blackburn have also condemned the perpetrator’s action and are shocked and saddened to learn of this incident.” 

“We are in touch with our regional affiliate, the Lancashire Council of Mosques, and are ready to support them and local Muslim communities during this difficult time.”

Zara Mohammed, the Muslim Council’s Secretary General, added in a separate statement: 

“The act is all the more reprehensible since it was instigated at a place of worship where Jews were targeted. This was, quite simply, a hate crime and an act of antisemitism.”

“We are thankful that the hostages are unharmed. Though some may seek to exploit such incidents for divisive ends, we must double our resolve to remain united against such hatred.”