FBI and DHS Issue Warning of Elevated Threat to Jewish Communities Following Recent Attacks
FBI and Homeland Security Issue Urgent Warning Over Rising Threats to Israeli and Jewish Communities in the U.S.
The FBI and Department of Homeland Security issued a joint public service announcement on Thursday, alerting Americans to an "elevated threat" facing Israeli and Jewish communities nationwide. The warning arrives amid a backdrop of escalating public safety concerns linked to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, which has been cited as a potential catalyst for extremist violence on U.S. soil.
The urgency of the alert comes on the heels of a violent incident in Boulder, Colorado, where law enforcement allege that 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, an Egyptian national, constructed 18 Molotov cocktails before targeting a peaceful demonstration. The event—"Run for Their Lives," held in support of Israeli hostages—was disrupted when Soliman allegedly shouted "Free Palestine" and threw two lit incendiary devices into the crowd on Pearl Street. More than a dozen people, ranging in age from 52 to 88, were injured, with at least one critically hurt. The FBI has described the attack as a "targeted terror attack", emphasizing the seriousness of the threat facing Jewish and pro-Israel gatherings.
According to federal authorities, Soliman’s visa, issued during the current administration, expired in March 2025. During questioning, he reportedly admitted that his act of violence was premeditated and specifically aimed at what he called a "Zionist group." Documents from the investigation indicate that Soliman had been planning the attack for over a year, highlighting concerns about so-called "lone wolf" radicalization. Former law enforcement officials have stressed the difficulty in identifying individuals who self-radicalize and operate independently, making prevention all the more challenging.
Just weeks earlier, another deadly episode unfolded in Washington, D.C., when a pro-Palestinian man allegedly killed two staff members of the Israeli embassy outside the Capital Jewish Museum. Victims Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, who were soon to become engaged, were fatally attacked as they left an event. Authorities say 31-year-old Elias Rodriguez of Chicago was apprehended shortly after, having reportedly acted alone. Video footage captured Rodriguez shouting, "Free, free Palestine," as he was detained by security personnel.
These recent attacks appear to reflect a disturbing trend noted by federal officials. "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," the joint statement from the FBI and DHS warned. They further cautioned that foreign terrorist organizations may attempt to exploit the conflict to incite attacks within the United States.
Authorities strongly urge the public to maintain heightened vigilance and promptly report any suspicious behavior or threats to law enforcement. The FBI has provided dedicated channels for tips, including tips.fbi.gov and local field offices, underscoring the importance of community involvement in preventing further violence.
