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An Egyptian-born illegal immigrant, believed to have firebombed a pro-Israel rally in Boulder, Colorado, has exhibited traits typical of a lone-wolf terrorist, which is concerning given the rise in such individual attacks.
Mohamed Sabry Soliman, aged 45, is accused of igniting eight people with improvised incendiary devices during the attack at Pearl Street Mall, where supporters gathered to demand the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. Videos reportedly show a shirtless man, presumed to be Soliman, brandishing additional devices after the initial incident while onlookers recorded him. He later surrendered to law enforcement.
Jason Pack, a former FBI supervisory special agent, told Fox News Digital, “From a behavioral and psychological profiling standpoint, this indicates impulsive extremism or a yearning for martyrdom, rather than a focus on evasion or survival.”
Mohamed Sabry Soliman is now facing multiple charges following the Boulder incident on June 1, 2025. (@BHflyer5/Storyful)
FBI IDENTIFIES SUSPECT IN BOULDER TERROR ATTACK AS EGYPTIAN MAN HERE ILLEGALLY
During the attack, Soliman allegedly shouted, “Free Palestine.”
According to Pack, “Such characteristics are often linked with ideologically motivated lone actors. Typically, these attackers lack a support system but can be influenced by online propaganda or perceived grievances. The erratic conduct, makeshift weaponry, and politically charged rhetoric indicate a disorganized, emotionally unstable individual whose radicalization, if confirmed, aligns with the increasing trend of unpredictable, lone-wolf domestic assaults.”
An arrest affidavit that details Soliman’s conversation with local authorities following his capture also reveals signs of inexperience.
Soliman faces charges including attempted first-degree murder, assaults on at-risk adults/elderly, and illegal use of explosives during his felony. (Boulder Police Department)
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“In the interview, SOLIMAN mentioned he learned to make Molotov cocktails on YouTube, gathered the necessary materials, and built the incendiary devices,” the affidavit notes. “He drove to Boulder with these cocktails and threw two at attendees of a pro-Israel event. He also admitted to stopping for gas before reaching Boulder.”
The affidavit also mentions he left behind an iPhone and a journal with notes addressed to his family in his home in Colorado Springs.
Pack added, “In my years with the FBI, I’ve encountered cases like this. It’s uncommon, but not extraordinary, for an individual to resort to violence in support of their beliefs, especially when feeling isolated, powerless, or desperate. Soliman seems to embody the profile of a lone actor, motivated by grievances, who felt unheard and chose to strike out.”
The residence of Mohamed Soliman is pictured in Colorado Springs, Colo. on June 2, 2025. Soliman is the main suspect in the firebombing at a pro-Israel gathering in Boulder on Sunday. (Jeremy Sparig for Fox News Digital)
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Pack emphasized that Soliman’s mental health will also be examined by authorities.
Soliman reportedly expressed a desire to “kill all Zionist people and wished they were all dead,” stating he would “do it again.”
“Such acts of violence can severely disturb communities and should be taken seriously by law enforcement,” emphasized Pack. “One individual with homemade explosive devices harmed nearly a dozen people. This is why police across the nation will reassess security protocols for events tied to sensitive political issues like those concerning Israel or Gaza.”
Soliman has been charged with attempted first-degree murder, crimes against vulnerable adults/elderly, assault, and illegal use of explosives or incendiary devices in a felony.
The FBI labeled his actions as a “targeted terror attack.”
Mohamed Sabry Soliman was taken into custody after allegedly using homemade incendiary devices to ignite eight individuals. (KDVR)
“Lone-wolf attacks are challenging to foresee, but they are not impossible to prevent. The crucial factors include sharing intelligence, monitoring behaviors, and taking threats seriously as they arise,” Pack stated.
The pro-Israel supporters had gathered for a Run for Their Lives event to raise awareness about Israeli hostages who remain with Hamas. The victims of the attack ranged in age from 52 to 88, with one in critical condition.
Soliman initially entered the United States in August 2022 on a non-immigrant visa, which expired in February 2023. He stayed in the country illegally after that. In March 2023, he received a work permit from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, which expired in March of this year. He once again overstayed this visa, making him illegal during the incident.
