An Egyptian national on a Biden-era visa threw 18 Molotov cocktails at a pro-Israel gathering in Boulder, part of a disturbing nationwide pattern of targeted violence that has prompted federal agencies to issue urgent warnings about threats to Jewish and Israeli communities across America.
Key Takeaways
- The FBI and DHS have issued a joint warning about an “elevated threat” to Jewish and Israeli communities in the U.S., citing recent violent attacks in Boulder and Washington D.C.
- Mohamed Sabry Soliman, an Egyptian national whose visa was granted during the Biden administration, created 18 Molotov cocktails to attack pro-Israel demonstrators in Boulder, injuring over a dozen people ages 25 to 88.
- 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 authorities warn that the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict may inspire other violent extremists and hate crime perpetrators to target Jewish communities.
- Soliman faces 118 charges including attempted murder, assault, and federal hate crimes while his visa remains valid until March 2025.
Biden Administration Visa Holder Launches Terror Attack on Pro-Israel Group
Mohamed Sabry Soliman, a 45-year-old Egyptian national whose visa was granted during the Biden administration and remains valid until March 2025, created 18 Molotov cocktails and unleashed them on a pro-Israel demonstration in Boulder, Colorado. The attack, which occurred on June 1 at Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall, targeted a demonstration by Run For Their Lives, a group highlighting Israeli hostages held in Gaza. Soliman admitted to authorities that he specifically targeted what he called a “Zionist group” and expressed violent intentions toward the demonstrators. The FBI has officially classified the incident as a “targeted terror attack,” showing the premeditated nature of this act of violence.
The Boulder attack left fifteen people injured—eight women and seven men ranging in age from 25 to 88—with at least one victim in critical condition. Soliman now faces a staggering 118 charges, including attempted murder, assault, use of explosive devices, animal cruelty, and federal hate crime charges. This incident represents one of the most severe attacks on Jewish Americans in recent months and highlights the growing concern about the safety of Jewish communities across the United States as tensions related to the Israel-Hamas conflict continue to reverberate globally and domestically.
🚨 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.
📍 Notable Cases:
Bloomfield, NJ… pic.twitter.com/Bmak8ikHHA
— AMERICAN | kinetix (@AXactual) February 25, 2025
Fatal Attack on Israeli Embassy Staff in Washington D.C.
In another disturbing incident, two Israeli embassy staff members were killed on May 21 in Washington D.C. following an event at the Capital Jewish Museum. The suspect, Elias Rodriguez, was reportedly heard shouting “Free, free Palestine” after being taken into custody, strongly suggesting a motive connected to the ongoing Middle East conflict. This deadly attack, occurring in the nation’s capital, has heightened concerns among security officials about the targeting of Israeli nationals and Jewish institutions throughout the United States. The brazen nature of attacking diplomatic personnel has raised the alarm level at federal agencies responsible for domestic security.
“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,” warned the FBI and DHS in their joint statement.
These attacks represent a broader pattern of increasing antisemitic violence that has plagued the United States since the October 7th Hamas attacks on Israel and the subsequent military response. Law enforcement officials are particularly concerned about the potential for “copycat” attacks or inspired violence targeting Jewish and Israeli communities. The FBI-DHS warning explicitly notes that extremists with similar grievances may be motivated to conduct further violence, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty for Jewish Americans across the country.
Federal Agencies Issue Urgent Warning
In response to these attacks, 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. The warning specifically cites the Boulder and Washington D.C. attacks as evidence of the escalating danger. Federal authorities have urged Jewish communities and institutions to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activities immediately to law enforcement. This coordinated federal response underscores the seriousness with which authorities are taking these threats.
“Foreign terrorist organizations also may try to exploit narratives related to the conflict to inspire attacks in the U.S.,” stated the FBI and DHS in their joint announcement.
The warning comes as antisemitic incidents have reached historic highs across the United States, with Jewish community centers, synagogues, and cultural institutions facing unprecedented security challenges. Federal authorities are concerned that these recent high-profile attacks could inspire “lone wolf” actors or organized groups to target Jewish communities. The FBI has established dedicated reporting channels, including tips.fbi.gov and local field offices, for reporting suspicious activities. For emergencies, the public is reminded to call 911 immediately rather than relying on online reporting mechanisms.
