FBI Defends Terrorism Classification Amid CNN Analyst’s Criticism Over Boulder Attack
The FBI has strongly defended its classification of the Boulder attack as a terrorism incident following sharp criticism by CNN analyst Juliette Kayyem. FBI Assistant Director Ben Williamson responded to Kayyem’s comments on X, stating the agency ‘has zero interest in what either of these CNN guests have to say.’ The FBI emphasized that the suspect, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, was identified as a threat in a pre-planned attack, with evidence including anti-Israel slogans and violent acts. The Boulder Police initially did not label the attack as terrorism, but the FBI has proceeded with the terrorism designation based on substantial evidence. The incident has sparked a heated debate over the balance between preemptive action and the need for thorough investigations.
Kayyem, a Harvard professor and former Department of Homeland Security official, criticized FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino for quickly labeling the attack as terrorism. She argued that the FBI’s actions appeared to be ‘juvenile,’ suggesting that they were acting too hastily without a full investigation. This criticism was met with fierce rebukes from both officials, who defended their decision to act based on the available evidence, which included video footage of the suspect shouting anti-Israel slogans and using Molotov cocktails during the attack. Bongino, in particular, emphasized the FBI’s responsibility as an agency dedicated to investigating potential terrorist threats, stating that the FBI is not engaged in ‘word games’ but rather in the serious work of combating terrorism.
The suspect, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, a 45-year-old Egyptian national, was found to have overstayed his travel visa before being granted a work visa by the Biden administration, which expired in March. According to Homeland Security officials, Soliman was arrested after allegedly setting victims on fire using a makeshift flamethrower and Molotov cocktails during a community walk supporting Israeli hostages. Soliman, who is facing multiple charges, was caught on video yelling ‘Free Palestine’ and other anti-Israel slogans during the attack, which left 12 victims injured. He later told police he wanted to kill ‘all Zionist people.’ The FBI’s designation of the attack as terrorism is based on the suspect’s pre-planning, ideological motivations, and the violent methods used, all of which point to a targeted act of terrorism.
While the Boulder Police Chief initially stated that the attack was not yet classified as terrorism, the FBI has proceeded with its designation based on the evidence gathered from the crime scene. Patel, the FBI Director, reiterated the agency’s commitment to the investigation, stating that the FBI would share updates as more information becomes available. The incident has sparked a broader debate about the balance between proactive security measures and the need for thorough, evidence-based investigations. The FBI’s position reflects a growing trend in law enforcement to take preemptive action against potential terrorist threats, even before all the facts are known. Meanwhile, critics argue that such actions risk undermining public trust in law enforcement agencies and the justice system.
Kayyem’s comments have sparked a heated discussion online, with many condemning her for what they see as an overly critical stance toward law enforcement. Others, however, argue that the FBI’s approach may be overly reactive and that there is a need for greater transparency in the process of classifying attacks as terrorism. The incident highlights the complexities of modern law enforcement and national security, where the line between proactive defense and overreach is often blurred. As the investigation continues, the FBI, along with local law enforcement, will be under increased scrutiny for its methods and decisions in these high-profile cases.