NOTE: VIDEO AT THE END OF ARTICLE
Federal authorities say a man arrested in Boulder, Colorado, on Sunday was prepared to unleash mass violence using homemade firebombs and a makeshift flamethrower. The FBI is investigating the case as a potential act of terrorism, citing evidence that the suspect planned the attack deliberately and expressed extremist motives.
The suspect, 45-year-old Mohamed Soliman—an Egyptian national reportedly living in the U.S. without legal status—targeted a pro-Israel demonstration at Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall. According to authorities, Soliman admitted he intended to kill as many “Zionists” as possible and had researched how to make incendiary weapons online.
Fox News’ Kayleigh McEnany reported on-air that Soliman was armed with 14 Molotov cocktails and a flamethrower device, which he used during the broad-daylight assault. Eight people were injured, one critically, in what officials say could have been far deadlier if not for a rapid police response.
“Soliman expressed a clear desire to kill all Zionist people,” FBI officials said in a statement. “He showed no remorse and wished more victims had been harmed.”
Video from the scene shows a shirtless man—believed to be Soliman—brandishing additional devices following the attack, while bystanders screamed and fled. Police arrived shortly after and arrested him without further incident.
Retired FBI agent Jason Pack, speaking to Fox News, said the case bears the hallmarks of a lone-wolf extremist.
“Behaviorally, it reflects impulsive radicalism—an attack motivated by ideology, not escape or long-term planning,” Pack explained. “He likely saw this as a personal mission or a final act.”
An affidavit from local authorities reveals Soliman told police he learned to make Molotov cocktails by watching YouTube videos. He reportedly assembled the devices, packed them into his car, and drove to Boulder specifically to target the rally.
“Soliman described stopping for gas along the way and then throwing two of the firebombs at the crowd,” the affidavit states.
Investigators later searched his residence in Colorado Springs and recovered a journal and an iPhone with messages to his family, offering insight into his mindset before the attack.
While acts of terrorism involving lone individuals are rare, officials warn that they are difficult to prevent—particularly when fueled by ideology and isolation.
“This is exactly why security protocols are being reviewed nationwide,” Pack said. “Events connected to Israel or Gaza are especially high-risk right now, and one person with a crude weapon can still cause chaos and harm.”
