The man who sold the gun used by the suspect who held four people hostage earlier this month at a Texas synagogue was charged Wednesday with breaking federal gun laws.
In a criminal complaint, the US Department of Justice said that Henry "Michael" Williams was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a prior felony conviction.
According to prosecutors, he sold a semiautomatic Taurus G2C pistol to Malik Faisal Akram, a British national, who police say later entered the Congregation Beth Israel synagogue in Colleyville, Texas, and held four people hostage in an hours-long standoff.
"As a convicted felon, Mr. Williams was prohibited from carrying, acquiring, or selling firearms," US Attorney Chad E. Meacham said in a statement. "Whether or not he knew of his buyer's nefarious intent is largely irrelevant — felons cannot have guns, period, and the Justice Department is committed to prosecuting those who do."
Williams had previously been convicted of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and attempted possession of a controlled substance, according to the complaint.
This story is developing. Please check back for updates.
