Officials have confirmed that the suspect in the Boulder terror attack, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, was found to possess USAID-related documents and anti-Israel materials in his car. The attack, which occurred on Sunday, targeted a group of pro-Israel protesters on Pearl Street in Boulder, Colorado, resulting in eight injuries and an initial report of a man setting people on fire.
According to the arrest affidavit, law enforcement discovered paperwork with the words ‘USAID’ along with references to ‘Israel’ and ‘Palestine’ inside Soliman’s 2015 silver Toyota Prius, which also contained a red gas container and rags. A senior State Department official clarified that Soliman is not a USAID employee. The documents suggest that Soliman may have had a detailed plan, as he reportedly stated to officials that he targeted the ‘Zionist group’ that had gathered, having learned about them via an online search.
Soliman’s alleged statements to law enforcement revealed a clear motive, as he claimed he wanted to stop the ‘Zionist group’ from taking over ‘our land’ which he identified as ‘Palestine.’ He reportedly planned the attack for a year, waiting until his daughter graduated before proceeding. The affidavit also revealed that he left messages, a journal, and an iPhone at his Colorado Springs home, indicating possible further planning.
In addition to the alleged terror charges, Soliman was also charged with multiple counts, including murder in the first degree, criminal attempts, and the use of explosives or incendiary devices during a felony. A black container was found near his arrest location, containing at least 14 unlit Molotov cocktails. The suspect remains in jail on a $10 million bond, having been heard yelling ‘Free Palestine.’
Further details reveal that Soliman overstayed his visa and was granted a work permit by the Biden administration. He first entered the U.S. on an expired B1/B2 visa and later filed a work permit application that authorized him to work through March 2025. FBI Director Kash Patel described the incident as a terror attack, emphasizing the need for investigation and the seriousness of the situation. The case highlights the potential dangers of individuals in the U.S. who may have extremist views, raising concerns about national security and immigration policy.