A Jewish-American businessman who survived 9/11 was among at least 14 people killed in a terrorist attack in Kenya on Tuesday.

Jason Spindler, originally from Texas, was a Wall Street analyst at the time of the September 11 attack on New York. He subsequently joined the Peace Corps, going on to found a business development firm based in Nairobi.

Mr Spindler was believed to be having lunch at the DusitD2 hotel and shopping compound in the Kenyan capital when gunmen belonging to the Islamist terror group Al Shabaab stormed the hotel complex, carrying out at least one suicide bomb attack in the process and killing at least 14 people. It took Kenyan security forces 20 hours to neutralise the terrorists.

Mr Spindler’s brother Jonathan wrote on Facebook: “It’s with a heavy heart that I announce that my brother, Jason Spindler, passed away this morning during a terror attack in Nairobi. Jason was a survivor of 9/11 and a fighter. I am sure he gave them hell.”

Mr Spindler’s mother, Sarah Spindler, told NBC News that her son “was trying to make positive change in the third world in emerging markets”.

“We all miss him so much. And it’s so sad that such a bright young person is taken away by terrorism.” 

Chabad in Kenya released a statement on Wednesday saying: “We are sorry to inform you that the Jewish community of Nairobi has lost a special member, Jason Spindler.

“Jason was tragically murdered in yesterday’s terror attack at the DusitD2 Hotel near his office.

“The funeral will take place in Houston, Texas.

“At Chabad of Kenya we’re sure that Jason will forever remain in our broken hearts. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family and we hope and pray that they never again experience the pain of evil and tragedy.”