USAID Documents Found in Car of Boulder Terror Attack Suspect Linked to Pro-Israel Group
US aid documents found in suspect's vehicle linked to Boulder explosive attack plot
Authorities in Boulder, Colorado, are continuing their investigation into a violent attack that occurred during a peaceful pro-Israel demonstration on Pearl Street. On Sunday, members of the group "Run for Their Lives," which advocates for the release of Hamas' hostages, were confronted by Mohamed Sabry Soliman, who allegedly threw incendiary devices at the protestors, resulting in eight injuries.
According to law enforcement, initial reports indicated that a man was attempting to set people on fire in what is being classified as an alleged terror attack. Following Soliman's arrest, police discovered several documents inside his car, a 2015 silver Toyota Prius. Among the paperwork found were documents marked with the word "USAID", as well as separate papers referencing "Israel" and "Palestine." Authorities also recovered a red gas container and rags, items believed to be associated with the production of homemade explosives.
A senior State Department official confirmed that Soliman has no affiliation with the United States Agency for International Development. However, the appearance of such paperwork has sparked questions among investigators as they piece together Soliman's intentions and background. Notably, a black plastic container near the arrest site contained at least 14 unlit Molotov cocktails, further indicating premeditation.
During interviews with federal and local officials, Soliman allegedly admitted to targeting what he described as a "Zionist group" with the intent of stopping them from "taking over our land," a reference he made to Palestine. He also reportedly stated that he had been planning the attack for a year, intentionally waiting until after his daughter's graduation to carry out the act. Court documents reveal that Soliman left messages for his family, a journal, and his iPhone behind at his home in Colorado Springs, suggesting a degree of preparation and awareness of the consequences.
The range of charges brought against Soliman is extensive, including first-degree murder—both with deliberation and with extreme indifference—as well as crimes against at-risk adults and elders, multiple counts of first-degree assault, criminal attempts related to class one and two felonies, and use of explosives or incendiary devices during the commission of a felony.
Soliman remains in custody with a bond set at $10 million. Witnesses reported hearing him shout, "Free Palestine" as he was being apprehended. Further investigation revealed that Soliman, an Egyptian national, had overstayed his B1/B2 non-immigrant visa, which expired in February 2023. Despite this, he successfully filed a work authorization application in March of that year, extending his eligibility to work legally in the U.S. through March 2025.
The incident has drawn sharp responses from federal officials. FBI Director Kash Patel publicly classified the event as a "targeted terror attack," affirming that both federal agents and local authorities are actively investigating. Patel emphasized the seriousness of the situation and pledged ongoing transparency as more information emerges.
This attack has reignited concerns about visa overstays, immigration enforcement, and the growing tensions surrounding global conflicts that find echoes in local communities across the United States. As Boulder recovers from this violent episode, law enforcement remains vigilant, working to determine whether Soliman acted alone or was part of a wider network, and how he was able to accumulate the materials used in the attack.
