GOP Senator Calls for FBI Investigation into Biden-Era Vetting of Boulder Terror Suspect Amid Concerns of Bias

Ohio Republican Senator Bernie Moreno is demanding answers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation regarding possible terror connections tied to the suspect accused of carrying out a violent attack against a pro-Israel group in Boulder, Colorado. In a formal letter to FBI Director Kash Patel, Moreno expressed grave concerns for the safety of Jewish Americans, writing, "Jewish Americans are under attack... If Jews aren't being murdered in cold blood in our nation's capital, they are quite literally being burned alive by an illegal alien."

The incident that sparked Moreno's inquiry occurred when Mohamed Sabry Soliman, a 45-year-old Egyptian national reportedly in the United States illegally, was arrested at the scene after setting fire to rally participants. Witness accounts indicate Soliman shouted "Free Palestine" and other anti-Israel slogans as he targeted victims ranging in age from 52 to 88. The victims had gathered peacefully to advocate for Israeli hostages still being held by Hamas.

Federal authorities swiftly labeled the violence a "targeted terror attack," a designation that Moreno acknowledged in his letter, thanking law enforcement for their quick response. However, he emphasized the need for a deeper investigation into how Soliman was allowed to remain in the country and to potentially carry out a premeditated violent act. "As a member of the United States Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs and the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, it is my responsibility to investigate and tell the American people the truth about how this illegal alien entered the country under the Biden-Harris Administration and was permitted to not only stay in the country but also commit acts of terror on Jewish Americans," Moreno wrote.

Moreno’s letter to the FBI includes a series of pointed questions, requesting detailed responses within 60 days about the suspect’s background, support network, and any potential affiliations with foreign terrorist organizations such as ISIS or Hamas. He specifically asks who may have been harboring Soliman in the U.S., who financed his overseas travels, and what the vetting process entailed when he entered the United States during the Biden administration. Moreover, Moreno questioned how Soliman obtained work authorization and the justification for any asylum requests submitted on his behalf.

According to federal court filings, Soliman has now been charged with a federal hate crime. He allegedly admitted in interviews that he intended to "kill all 'Zionist' people," had planned the attack for a year, and stated he would repeat his actions if given the opportunity. Records indicate that Soliman entered the U.S. on a tourist visa, which he overstayed before filing an asylum request and subsequently receiving work authorization, which expired earlier this year.

The FBI, in an official statement, confirmed their ongoing investigation into the attack as a targeted act of terrorism, noting that they are working closely with the Boulder Police Department to process the crime scene, interview witnesses, and gather evidence. FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek underscored the importance of unity, stating, "Any attempt to divide us through fear or harm has no place in Boulder – Colorado or anywhere in our nation."

This incident has generated widespread condemnation from U.S. politicians and Jewish advocacy groups, who have described the event as a "vile, antisemitic act of terror." As the investigation continues and scrutiny of immigration enforcement intensifies, Senator Moreno maintains pressure on federal authorities to provide transparency and prevent such attacks moving forward.