Nutmegger

Not a lot of details yet, but the hostages were taken by a Brit who spent his first night here in a homeless shelter and bought weapons on the street (according to the Guardian). Obviously a lot to be disclosed as to how he was admitted to the country.

SanDiegogirl

if he had no previous convictions/arrrests etc, probably the VWP (he's a Brit citizen)

Nutmegger

It’s the fact that he had nowhere to go and headed to a homeless shelter that seems so weird, though of course he probably lied about where he was headed and could have some family in TX.

kimilseung

Malik Faisal Akram, from Blackburn, said by family to be suffering from mental health issues.

kimilseung

Some contributions from his community and family, his brother (blood)
I have removed the link, I am uncomfortable being in a group of people sharing this link, as there are some obnoxious comments along with the shares. Its easy enough to find if you want it.
His brother said:

robin1234

Yesterday I read that the hostage-taker said he was the brother of a woman imprisoned for life in the US. His demand was that she be released. Now, this woman is insisting that the perpetrator was not her brother, and the incident is nothing to do with her.

I can imagine if you are in prison for life, and have a long-term strategy for applying for early release, it would be an annoying distraction if a random terrorist demands your release..

kimilseung

I read that he said his "sister", but to be in that more extended way that many communities, including many Muslims do, to include everyone of that community.

SanDiegogirl

Been reported that the guy did have a criminal record ... so lied about that too and no doubt the name under which he had the criminal record was not the one in his passport.

Nutmegger

indeed; the woman’s family have said there is no relationship. Two related arrests in Manchester now.

Shard

Somehow it seems unfair he was shot after permitting the hostages to go. Unless he was on some kind of politically motivated suicide mission.

Succinct and appropriate statement from the family.

tom169

Glad he was taken out. Texas doesn't screw around.

Shard

Well, he seems to have been mentally ill, and he didn't kill anyone. If he had killed people, I might understand that view.

DaveLovesDee

If he'd been white, I suspect he'd be in jail right now.

Shard

No idea, so no need to jump to such conclusions.

tom169

That's your view and that's fine.

​​​​​​Didn't take long for the race card.