In a terrifying act of politically charged violence, an Egyptian national — who had overstayed his visa — launched a firebomb assault on a peaceful Israeli solidarity walk in Boulder, Colorado. The attack, labeled terrorism by federal authorities, left eight elderly people hospitalized and exposed alarming flaws in immigration oversight.

In a chilling act of domestic terror, 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, an Egyptian national in the U.S. illegally, launched a brutal firebomb attack on a group gathered to support Israeli hostages in Boulder, Colorado, on Sunday. The group — composed mostly of elderly individuals — was participating in a peaceful solidarity walk when Soliman allegedly ambushed them with Molotov cocktails and a homemade flamethrower.

The horrifying scene unfolded as participants stopped at a planned resting point. According to eyewitnesses and law enforcement, Soliman was lying in wait and struck as the group began to regroup. Screaming “Free Palestine,” the suspect ignited a chaotic blaze that injured eight people — four men and four women, aged between 52 and 88. At least one victim was reported to be in critical condition by Sunday night.

Photos released by law enforcement show a shirtless Soliman holding what appear to be bottles filled with clear flammable liquid — reportedly the homemade incendiary devices used in the assault. Authorities say he also wielded a “makeshift flamethrower,” intensifying the ferocity of the attack.

Soliman himself sustained injuries during the mayhem and was taken to a local hospital for treatment before being taken into custody. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the FBI are now jointly investigating the incident as an act of terrorism.

“Let’s be clear: This was a targeted terrorist attack on American soil,” said DHS Secretary Kristi Noem in a statement. “The fact that this suspect was in the country illegally only heightens the urgency to reevaluate our immigration and security protocols.”

According to a report from Fox News, Soliman originally entered the U.S. legally through Los Angeles International Airport on August 27, 2022, using a non-immigrant visa. That visa expired on February 26, 2023. Rather than leaving, Soliman filed for asylum, which allowed him to gain temporary work authorization in March 2023.

However, that authorization expired in March 2025 — two months before Sunday’s attack. Despite the expiration, he remained in the country illegally, living in legal limbo, apparently unnoticed by immigration enforcement until this violent eruption.

Further digging into his immigration history reveals that Soliman was previously denied entry into the United States in 2005. Whether he attempted re-entry between then and his 2022 visa approval remains unclear.

The attack has sparked intense political backlash. Stephen Miller, a former senior advisor and now White House Deputy Chief of Staff, expressed fury over the situation.

“A terror attack was committed in Boulder, Colorado by an illegal alien,” Miller posted on X (formerly Twitter). “He was granted a tourist visa by the Biden Administration and then he illegally overstayed that visa. In response, the Biden Administration gave him a work permit. Suicidal migration must be fully reversed.”

Critics argue that this tragedy highlights the systemic loopholes in the U.S. immigration and asylum systems — particularly how individuals who overstay visas often escape enforcement for extended periods, sometimes with devastating consequences.

“This is what happens when we treat immigration law as a suggestion instead of a mandate,” said one former ICE official speaking on condition of anonymity. “This man should not have been here. The victims paid the price.”

Despite the political firestorm, law enforcement officials have emphasized that the immediate focus remains on the investigation and bringing justice to the victims. The FBI has classified the incident as a domestic terrorism case and is currently reviewing Soliman’s background, digital activity, and potential affiliations.

“The motive appears to be politically and ideologically motivated violence, fitting the criteria for terrorism under federal law,” a spokesperson from the FBI’s Denver field office stated.

Back in Boulder, the community is still reeling. Several local synagogues and civic groups have issued joint statements condemning the attack and calling for unity in the face of hate. A vigil for the victims is being organized later this week.

“We will not be intimidated or divided,” said Rabbi Miriam Glassman of Temple Beth El. “This was an act of hate, but our response will be love, solidarity, and resilience.”

As of now, Soliman remains in federal custody and is expected to face a litany of charges, including attempted murder, use of explosives, and terrorism-related offenses. Federal prosecutors have not ruled out seeking life imprisonment.

This tragic attack, targeting elderly civilians during a peaceful expression of solidarity, has become a sobering example of what can happen when immigration enforcement fails — and when hate turns into violence.