Egyptian national Mohamed Sabry Soliman, granted a visa during the Biden administration, is charged with 118 counts including attempted murder and hate crimes after targeting a pro-Israel event with Molotov cocktails in what the FBI has labeled a “targeted terror attack.”
Key Takeaways
- The FBI and DHS have issued a joint warning about an “elevated threat” to Israeli and Jewish communities in the United States amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
- Mohamed Sabry Soliman, an Egyptian national with a visa valid until March 2025, allegedly attacked pro-Israel demonstrators in Boulder with 18 Molotov cocktails, injuring over a dozen people.
- In a separate incident, Elias Rodriguez allegedly killed two Israeli embassy staff members in Washington, D.C., shouting “Free, free Palestine” after being taken into custody.
- Federal agencies warn that the ongoing Middle East conflict may motivate other violent extremists to conduct similar attacks against Jewish and Israeli targets.
- The public is urged to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious activities to law enforcement.
Boulder Attack Leaves Multiple Casualties
On June 1, Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall became the site of a violent attack during a demonstration by Run For Their Lives, a group highlighting Israeli hostages held in Gaza. Mohamed Sabry Soliman, a 45-year-old Egyptian national, allegedly created and deployed 18 Molotov cocktails against the pro-Israel demonstrators. The attack injured 15 people, with victims ranging in age from 25 to 88, including eight women and seven men. One victim was left in critical condition. Soliman reportedly admitted to targeting what he called a “Zionist group” and expressed violent intentions.
The FBI has classified the incident as a “targeted terror attack,” resulting in 118 charges against Soliman, including attempted murder, assault, use of explosive devices, animal cruelty, and federal hate crimes. Of particular concern is that Soliman’s visa, which was granted during President Biden’s administration, remains valid until March 2025, raising serious questions about immigration vetting procedures. JEWISHcolorado has established a fund to assist those injured in the attack.
🚨 SYNAGOGUES TARGETED / SURVEILLED ACROSS U.S. 🚨
🔎 Seven incidents reported between Jan 1 – Feb 25, 2025 suggest growing security threats to Jewish institutions. Methods include drones, fake workers, digital threats, & vehicle surveillance.
đź“Ť Notable Cases:
Bloomfield, NJ… pic.twitter.com/Bmak8ikHHA
— AMERICAN | kinetix (@AXactual) February 25, 2025
Washington D.C. Attack on Israeli Embassy Staff
In a separate incident highlighting the growing danger to Jewish and Israeli communities, Elias Rodriguez allegedly killed two Israeli embassy staff members in Washington, D.C., following an event at the Capital Jewish Museum. According to witnesses, Rodriguez was heard shouting “Free, free Palestine” after being taken into custody, indicating a possible motive linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict. This tragedy follows a pattern of increasing anti-Israeli sentiment that has escalated into violence across the country.
“The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict may motivate other violent extremists and hate crime perpetrators with similar grievances to conduct violence against Jewish and Israeli communities and their supporters,” the FBI and DHS warned in their joint statement.
The proximity of these attacks in time, alongside their apparent political motivations, has prompted federal agencies to take action, issuing alerts to vulnerable communities and calling for increased vigilance across the nation.
Federal Agencies Issue Warning
The FBI and Department of Homeland Security have issued a joint public service announcement warning of an “elevated threat” to Israeli and Jewish communities throughout the United States. Federal authorities are particularly concerned that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could inspire copycat attacks or provide motivation for extremists harboring anti-Jewish or anti-Israeli sentiments. The warning comes as Jewish communities across America have reported increasing incidents of harassment, threats, and vandalism.
“Foreign terrorist organizations also may try to exploit narratives related to the conflict to inspire attacks in the U.S.,” the FBI and DHS stated in their joint warning.
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and to report any threats or suspicious activities immediately. The FBI has established multiple reporting channels, including tips.fbi.gov and local FBI field offices. For emergencies, the public is advised to call 911, while U.S. citizens abroad with safety concerns can contact the Department of State’s Overseas Citizens Services hotline or complete the Crisis Intake Form online. Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn has personally addressed safety concerns in his community, emphasizing the importance of public cooperation in preventing future attacks.
