Authorities have identified the suspect in the Sunday morning terror attack in Boulder, Colorado, as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, an Egyptian-born illegal immigrant who used homemade incendiary devices to firebomb a pro-Israel rally. The incident, which injured eight people, has raised concerns about the increasing frequency of solo attacks motivated by radical ideologies. According to a former FBI supervisory special agent, Soliman exhibits classic signs of a lone-wolf terrorist, suggesting impulsive extremism or a desire for martyrdom rather than a calculated plan for survival.
Video footage of the attack shows Soliman, who was shirtless, standing menacingly with two explosive devices in hand. He reportedly yelled, ‘Free Palestine’ during the attack before being subdued by law enforcement. The FBI has labeled his actions a ‘targeted terror attack,’ citing the suspect’s use of Molotov cocktails and his verbal threats against ‘Zionist people.’ A search of his Colorado Springs home revealed an iPhone and journal containing messages to his family.
Authorities have also uncovered that Soliman overstayed his visa and was in the U.S. illegally during the attack. He had received a work permit from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in March 2023, which expired by June. Despite this, he remained in the country, raising questions about the vetting process for immigrants. The suspect reportedly stated during his arrest interview that he had ‘researched on YouTube how to make Molotov cocktails’ and that he was determined to ‘kill all Zionist people and wished they were all dead.’ His statements, along with the crude weaponry and politically charged language, point to a disorganized, emotionally unstable individual.
Jason Pack, a retired FBI supervisory special agent, emphasized the importance of monitoring behavioral warning signs and sharing intelligence to prevent such attacks. ‘This kind of violence shakes communities and is not something law enforcement takes lightly,’ he warned. The incident has prompted calls for reassessment of security measures at politically charged events, especially those related to Israel, Gaza, or other divisive issues. As the FBI investigates, authorities continue to assess Soliman’s mental health, adding to the broader concerns about the rise of lone-wolf terrorism in the U.S.