The family of the British terrorist who was shot dead after taking four people hostage inside a Texas synagogue have tonight paid tribute to him and admitted to 'liasing' with the shooter during his 10-hour stand-off with police.
Malik Faisal Akram, 44, was shot dead after an armed stand-off with American intelligence officers at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas on Saturday.
His 'devastated' brother Gulbar Akram shared a message on social media in which he revealed he had been working with the FBI and 'liasing' with his brother. He also apologised and blamed 'mental health issues' for Malik's actions.
Gulbar wrote: 'It is with great great sadness I will confirm my brother Faisal passed away in Texas, USA this morning.
'We are absolutely devastated as a family. We can’t say much now as their is an ongoing FBI investigation.
'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.
'Sitting in the incident room all last night at Greenbank until the early hours liaising with Faisal , the negotiators, FBI etc And although my brother was suffering from mental health issues we were confident that he would not harm the hostages.
'Obviously our priority will be to get him back to the UK for his Funeral prayers although we have been warned it could take weeks.'
A later post shared on a local Facebook group pleaded for patience and respect for the family. The statement read: 'Faisal Akram has sadly departed from this temporary world and returned to his Creator.
'May the Almighty forgive all his sins and bless him with the highest ranks of Paradise. May Allah give strength and patience to his loved ones in dealing with their loss.'
Akram, who was reportedly armed with 'backpacks of explosives', had demanded the release of convicted Pakistani terrorist Aafia Siddiqu - known as Lady Al Qaeda - who police say was referred to as his sister.
He held the hostages, including Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker, trapped inside the Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, approximately 27 miles from Dallas, for about 10 hours before being shot dead. All of the hostages were subsequently reported free and safe.
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss took to Twitter to condemn the 'appalling act of terrorism and anti-semitism in Texas'. Ms Truss added: 'We stand with US in defending the rights and freedoms of our citizens against those who spread hate.'
Lead FBI special agent Matthew DeSarno confirmed Akram was a British citizen and that 'at this time there is no indication that other individuals are involved' in a statement released to the media on Sunday afternoon.
He said the FBI Shooting Incident Review Team would conduct a 'thorough, factual and objective investigation'.
Counter Terror police also confirmed to MailOnline they would continue to work with 'US authorities and colleagues in the FBI' in the coming days as the investigation into Akram's actions continues.
It comes as dramatic livestream footage revealed the moment two hostages ran out of the temple.
Akram can be seen popping out of the door as he chases after them with a gun, before quickly retreating back inside and closing the door after spotting the nearby SWAT team. Dozens of agents then breach the synagogue as gunshots can be heard.
A spokesman for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said on Sunday: 'We are aware of the death of a British man in Texas and are in contact with the local authorities.'
A post shared on social media asked for forgiveness for British terrorist Faisal Akram, 44, who was shot dead by an FBI SWAT team after a 10-hour armed stand-off at a synagogue in Colleyville, Texas
One of the hostages at the Congregation Beth Israel in, Colleyville, Texas, was released and taken to his family. Authorities have said all hostages are now out and safe after the terrorist was shot
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss took to Twitter to condemn the 'appalling act of terrorism and anti-semitism in Texas'. Ms Truss added: 'We stand with US in defending the rights and freedoms of our citizens against those who spread hate'
FBI special agent Matt Desarno confirmed that the suspect was dead and that all hostages were released safely and uninjured after the agency's elite Hostage Rescue Team breached the temple
A SWAT team was set up by a nearby middle school as the hostage situation dragged on for eleven hours
The SWAT team was on standby as the FBI spoke with the suspect and investigate his background
Authorities were in negotiations with the suspect for about 10 hours
There were four hostages inside the synagogue, including the temple's rabbi. One hostage has been released
Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker (right) is one of four being held hostage by a man claiming to be the brother of convicted terrorist Aafia Siddiqui (left) known as Lady Al Qaeda
Police are blocking roads near the temple and nearby residents have been evacuated as night falls
Armored vehicles are at the scene where the assailant claims to have bombs as the FBI attempts to diffuse the situation
Law enforcement have also gathered at the Colleyville Elementary School to help evacuate local residents
Local and federal authorities are working together to try and free all four hostages safely
The standoff is taking place at the Congregation Beth Israel, in Colleyville, just 27 miles from Dallas
FBI special agent Matt Desarno said the agency's Hostage Rescue Team, who