Latest news with #domesticterrorism
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The Independent
7 hours ago
- General
- The Independent
CNN's conservative Scott Jennings calls Free Palestine movement ‘domestic terror organization'
Scott Jennings, a conservative political commentator, called the Free Palestine movement 'nothing more than a domestic terror organization' on Monday, saying it needs to be dealt with. His comment arose from a conversation about the recent terror attack in Boulder, Colorado, on a group of people raising awareness for Israeli hostages in Gaza. Federal law enforcement officials said the suspect in the attack, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, told them he specifically targeted the 'Zionist group.' 'This is horrific,' Jennings told CNN 's Jake Tapper on The Lead. 'What more do we need to see, Jake, before we realize this 'Free Palestine' movement is nothing more than a domestic terror organization right now?' The suspect allegedly threw Molotov cocktails and used a 'makeshift flamethrower' on the group of people and yelled 'Free Palestine!' At least 12 people were injured in the attack that the FBI is calling a hate crime. Jennings cited Sunday's attack, as well as the recent murder of Israeli embassy workers in Washington, D.C. and college campus protests, as examples of the Free Palestine movement's 'domestic terror' behavior. 'I think as a society, we need to understand we're dealing with domestic terrorism, it's growing more violent by the day and if we don't deal with it, these kinds of things are going to keep happening in cities all over the place,' Jennings said. Jennings worked in former president George W. Bush's administration as a special assistant and deputy of political affairs. Officials across the country have raised concerns about antisemitic-motivated attacks rising due to political disputes stemming from the Israel–Hamas war. President Donald Trump has promised to crack down on college protests that he believes are antisemitic, and accused college campuses of being hotbeds of antisemitism. Trump also blamed former President Joe Biden's 'ridiculous Open Border Policy' for the attack in a Truth Social post. Soliman, an Egyptian national, was in the U.S. illegally, the Department of Homeland Security said previously. He entered the U.S. in August 2022 as a non-immigrant visitor and was later granted a two-year work authorization in March 2023 – which expired this year. In his post, Trump continued: '[Soliman] came in through Biden's ridiculous Open Border Policy, which has hurt our Country so badly. He must go out under 'TRUMP' Policy. Acts of Terrorism will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the Law.' The FBI defines domestic terrorism as criminal acts committed by individuals or groups to further ideological goals stemming from political, religious, social, racial, or environmental influences. Officials have said the attack in Boulder was targeted and leaders throughout the country have condemned the suspected perpetrator for antisemitism.
Daily Mail
21 hours ago
- General
- Daily Mail
CNN 'black sheep' Scott Jennings delivers brutal take on Free Palestine movement
CNN 's 'black sheep' Scott Jennings came out firing against the 'Free Palestine ' movement, calling it a 'domestic terror organization' after the flamethrower attack on peaceful pro-Israel protesters in Colorado. Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, has been charged with first-degree murder and assault over the fiery attack. Soliman, in his confession, said he wanted to 'kill all Zionists'. Soliman injured himself and 12 others - all between the ages of 52 and 88 - in the attack, including one critically. Jennings, often considered a conservative voice of reason and the liberal leaning network's 'black sheep,' blasted the entire anti-Israel movement on Tuesday and called for the government to 'deal with' them. He asked Jake Tapper: 'This is horrific, and what more do we need to see, Jake, before we realize this Free Palestine movement is nothing more than a domestic terror organization right now?' Jennings painted the Colorado attack and the killing of a couple in Washington as part of a disturbing, violent trend among those who sympathize with Palestine egged on by the 'months and months and months' of protests on college campuses. 'The rise of anti-Semitism in America, the rise in the number of people who have come to America who hold anti-American views, anti-Western views, and anti-Semitic views, and are now willing to act on it, it is absolutely outrageous, and I think as a society we need to understand we're dealing with domestic terrorism,' he said. He warned that Washington has to 'deal with' this or its only going to increase in its violence. 'It's growing more violent by the day, and if we don't deal with it, these kinds of things are gonna keep happening in cities all over the place,' he said. 'It's awful, and we need to come to grips with the fight that we're in right now in America, fight for the future of our country, and the future of Western civilization, in my opinion.' Soliman told investigators he left messages for his family on his iPhone 14, which his wife handed over to the Colorado Springs Police Department shortly after his arrest, according to a federal affidavit. Investigators also recovered a journal from his home in which he planned out the horrific attack. Four additional victims have been identified in the Boulder attack, which Soliman planned the attack for more than a year and specifically targeted what he described as a Zionist group. President Donald Trump has vowed that Soliman will be 'prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law' - while also blaming Joe Biden 's 'ridiculous open border' immigration policies for contributing to the attack. The Justice Department - which leads investigations into acts of violence driven by religious, racial or ethnic motivations - called the attack a 'needless act of violence' and charged Soliman with a federal hate crime Monday morning. The Department of Homeland Security has since confirmed Solomon arrived in the US in August 2022 on a B2 Visa before overstaying by more than two years. Four additional victims have been identified in the Boulder attack, which Soliman planned the attack for more than a year and specifically targeted what he described as a Zionist group Shortly after the indecent at Pearl Street Mall at around 1:26pm MDT on Sunday, FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed it was 'targeted' and meant to inspire terror. As footage circulated of the middle aged suspect hurling Molotov cocktails, FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino branded it 'an act of terror and targeted violence'. Soliman - who feds on Sunday said unsuccessfully applied for asylum in September 2022 - was heard on video saying 'Palestine is Free,' MSNBC later reported. The crowd he attacked was convened an event organized by Run For Their Live in honor of the remaining Israeli hostages. He lived illegally in El Paso county, Texas, and appeared to taunt the victims in footage of the attack. Wearing only jeans and sunglasses, he was heard yelling: 'End Zionists... they are terrorists' and 'free Palestine'. Shortly after Winter's broadcast Sunday, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller said Soliman is an 'illegal alien' who arrived in the US on a visa issued by the Biden administration. When he illegally overstayed that visa, he was given a second chance and issued a new work permit, feds said. He was authorized to stay until February 2, 2023, but never left.
Fox News
a day ago
- General
- Fox News
Boulder suspect spent a year planning Molotov cocktail attack on pro-Israel march: docs
The Boulder, Colorado domestic terrorism suspect spent a year preparing to hurl Molotov cocktails into a peaceful pro-Israel march, court documents revealed. Mohamed Sabry Soliman, an Egyptian national whose visa, which was granted during the Biden administration, expired in March 2025, told federal authorities that the violence was a long time in the making. In an interview with authorities, according to the federal complaint, the suspect said he was waiting for his daughter's graduation before carrying out the attack. Following his daughter's milestone, he allegedly proceeded with his plan. Court documents say he researched how to build incendiary weapons on YouTube, collected the ingredients over time, and transported the homemade devices to Boulder in his silver Toyota Prius. On Sunday, June 1 at 12:55 p.m. MST, Soliman arrived early to the gathering, according to the complaint. He told authorities that he discovered "Run For Their Lives," a group organizing weekly walks to bring awareness to the Israeli hostages, through social media. As participants assembled in Boulder's Pearl Street area, Soliman allegedly yelled "Free Palestine!" and launched two lit Molotov cocktails into the throngs of people at 2 p.m. MST. He was arrested shortly after. The incident, which the FBI described as a "targeted terror attack," left eight people, ages 52 to 88, with injuries, including one in critical condition. None of the victims have died. READ THE FEDERAL COMPLAINT – APP USERS, CLICK HERE Soliman later told investigators he specifically targeted what he called a "Zionist group" and wished they were all dead. "I would do it again," he told authorities, according to the complaint. According to the affidavit, Soliman was motivated by "Zionists." He told officers that the people at the event represented an existential threat to "our land," referring to Palestine, and that they had to be stopped. Law enforcement recovered at least 14 unlit Molotov cocktails, along with gasoline, red rags, and a weed sprayer that may have been intended for dispersing flammable liquid, according to the complaint. Inside his vehicle were papers bearing the words "Israel," "Palestine," and "USAID," authorities said. WATCH: Witnesses capture alleged suspect on video following Boulder attack A video later posted on X appeared to show the suspect shirtless and pacing, holding one of the makeshift weapons and shouting, "How many children killed?" followed by, "End Zionist." Law enforcement also searched Soliman's home, where he said he had left a journal and an iPhone containing messages to his family. His wife later turned over the phone to authorities. A storage unit behind the residence, linked to Soliman by a neighbor, was also investigated. Soliman is charged with violating 18 U.S.C. §§ 249(a)(1) and (a)(2), federal hate crime statutes involving acts motivated by race, religion, or national origin.
Fox News
a day ago
- General
- Fox News
Boulder illegal immigrant terror suspect's 'possible radicalization' probed by authorities: retired FBI agent
In the wake of a violent firebombing at a pro-Israel rally in Boulder, Colorado, a retired FBI agent said that authorities are probing the Egyptian suspect's "possible radicalization," an expert said. "Authorities are currently conducting a forensic search of the scene, collecting device remnants, fingerprints, and possible surveillance footage," Jason Pack, a retired FBI special agent, told Fox News Digital. "Background investigations are underway—both locally and internationally, likely with Egyptian authorities through the U.S. Embassy in Cairo, into the suspect's history, affiliations, and possible radicalization." Authorities identified the suspect as 45-year-old Egyptian national Mohamed Sabry Soliman, who had overstayed his visa. "He came armed with Molotov cocktails and a homemade flamethrower. He shouted 'Free Palestine' and other slogans during the assault. This wasn't random. It was personal and likely politically or ideologically driven," he said. Investigators are now determining whether the incident meets the federal legal definition of domestic terrorism. "Authorities are actively investigating whether the attack where the suspect used Molotov cocktails and a makeshift flamethrower while shouting 'Free Palestine,' meets the legal definition of a domestic terror incident under U.S. law," Pack explained. He cited U.S. Code § 2331, which outlines domestic terrorism as acts that violate criminal law, are intended to intimidate or influence, and occur within the United States. Soliman, 45, is charged with violating 18 U.S.C. §§ 249(a)(1) and (a)(2), federal hate crime statutes involving acts motivated by race, religion, or national origin. "Investigators will likely examine whether the suspect's actions, targeting a public gathering with incendiary devices, were ideologically motivated and intended to instill fear or make a political statement," he said. According to Pack, the public details already suggest several qualifying elements. He said that prosecutors will need "more than just ideology." "However, federal prosecutors will need more than just ideology; they'll have to prove intent to intimidate or coerce," he said. "Key evidence could include statements, writings, digital communications, or planning behavior." The suspect's behavioral red flags are also under scrutiny, he said. "According to sources familiar with the case, the attacker was reportedly shirtless, highly agitated, and made no attempt to escape after launching the assault," Pack said. "From a behavioral and psychological profiling perspective, this suggests impulsive extremism or a desire for martyrdom rather than escape or survival. These traits are often associated with ideologically driven lone actors." "This kind of attacker typically operates without a support network but may be influenced by online propaganda or perceived injustices," he said. "The erratic behavior, crude weaponry, and politically charged language point to a disorganized, emotionally unstable individual whose radicalization—if confirmed—could place the case within the growing trend of unpredictable, lone-wolf-style domestic attacks." The retired Supervisory Special Agent from the FBI with 21 years of service said that he has investigated cases "just like this." "It's rare, but not unheard of, for someone to act out violently in support of a cause, especially when that person feels isolated, powerless, or desperate. Based on the information we know now, Soliman appears to fit the profile of a lone actor, someone with a grievance, who may have felt unheard and decided to lash out. They will also have to assess his mental health." "The homemade weapons show planning. The target, a group rallying on behalf of Israeli hostages, was clearly chosen on purpose. That suggests a level of intent and maybe radicalization, though there's no public evidence yet tying him to any organized group," Pack said. The affidavit paints a detailed picture of Soliman's planning. In an interview with investigators, Soliman said that he researched on YouTube how to make Moltov Cocktails, purchased the ingredients and constructed them. He told investigators that he wanted to kill the "Zionist group" and wished they were all dead after searching for the gathering online. He also stated that he would carry out the attack again if given the chance. He referenced "our land," which he identified as Palestine, and his desire to stop supporters of Israel from "taking over" that land, according to the affidavit. Pack said that the FBI and local authorities are digging into "everything," noting Soliman's online history, phone, travel records and any international connections. "That includes whether he downloaded bomb-making materials or had contact with foreign actors," he said. "Agents are also talking to people who knew him in Colorado Springs, where he lived. They'll want to know if he talked about violence, politics, or anything that might have raised red flags. Investigators will look for any signs this could have been prevented." On the scene, forensics will remain a top priority for federal investigators, Pack said. "The forensic work at the scene is just as important. They're collecting every piece of evidence, from bottle shards to accelerant residue. That'll help piece together exactly what he used, how he built it, and where he might have tested it," said Pack. "This kind of violence shakes communities—and it's not something law enforcement takes lightly. One man with homemade firebombs injured nearly a dozen people. That's why police around the country will be taking a second look at security plans for similar events, especially ones tied to Israel, Gaza, or other politically charged issues." Despite the gravity of the attack, Pack believes there's no indication of a broader conspiracy. "From what I've seen, there's no broader plot here. But that doesn't mean it ends in Boulder. Investigators are thinking long term—looking for signs this kind of thing could happen again somewhere else." "These kinds of lone-wolf attacks are tough to predict, but they're not impossible to stop," he said. "The key is sharing intel, watching for behavioral warning signs, and not ignoring threats when they surface." "For now, law enforcement is doing what it does best: following the evidence, interviewing witnesses, and staying focused on keeping the public safe."
Fox News
a day ago
- General
- Fox News
Colorado terror attack adds to alarming rise in US domestic terrorism
Colorado police responded to a terror attack at a pro-Israel event in Boulder Sunday, leaving multiple people injured. It was the latest incident being investigated by federal authorities as domestic terrorism. The U.S. has seen an increase in antisemitic attacks and violent pro-Palestinian protests amid the war between Israel and Hamas. But the incidents of domestic terrorism aren't limited to antisemitism. Extremists who hold anti-American sentiment have attempted attacks on vehicles, military bases and more. Here is a breakdown of the domestic terrorism incidents in the U.S. in 2025: Boulder, Colorado, Police Chief Stephen Redfearn said his department received reports early Sunday afternoon of a man with a weapon and people being set on fire on Pearl Street. A male suspect with minor injuries was taken into police custody at the scene, Redfearn said. Suspect Mohamed Sabry Soliman is now facing murder, assault and other charges following what the FBI called a "targeted terror attack" in Boulder, Colorado. The violence against a pro-Israel group advocating for Hamas to release Israeli hostages left eight people, ages 52 to 88, with injuries, including one in critical condition, according to the FBI. Police responded to the area after receiving reports of a man with a weapon setting people on fire. "Run for Their Lives," was the organization hosting the event. The group organizes run and walk events calling for the immediate release of all hostages being held captive by Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Soliman was charged with murder in the first degree — deliberation with intent; murder in the first degree — extreme indifference; crimes against at-risk adults/elderly; 1st degree assault — non-family; 1st degree assault — heat of passion; criminal attempt to commit class one and class two felonies; and use of explosives or incendiary devices during felony. Soliman was also in the United States illegally, Fox News has learned. Soliman is an Egyptian national who came into the country two years ago and overstayed his visa. Boulder Police Department confirmed Monday that no victims have died. Soliman was booked into the Boulder County, Colorado, jail Sunday evening and remains held on a $10 million bond. On Wednesday, May 21, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, two staffers of the Embassy of Israel to the U.S. — a couple set to be engaged — were shot and killed as they left the museum's event focused on finding humanitarian solutions for Gaza. Lischinsky was born in Israel and grew up in Germany. His father is Jewish, and his mother is Christian. Milgrim was an American employee of the embassy. Authorities took Elias Rodriguez, a 31-year-old man from Chicago, into custody. Upon being taken into custody, Rodriguez began shouting, "Free, free Palestine!" The FBI is investigating the incident as a possible hate crime and investigating any ties to terrorism. Steven Jensen, the assistant director in charge of the FBI Washington field office, said in a news conference that the federal law enforcement entity is working alongside the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to "look into ties to potential terrorism or motivation based on a bias-based crime or a hate crime." On May 17, a bombing took place at a fertility clinic in Palm Springs, California. The bombing killed the suspect and injured four others. Authorities identified the perpetrator of the incident as a 26-year-old suspect motivated by a fringe ideology known as "pro-mortalism." "Pro-mortalism," a radical offshoot of anti-natalism, views human reproduction as inherently immoral and embraces death as a moral corrective. According to federal and local law enforcement, the suspect targeted the American Reproductive Centers facility specifically to destroy human embryos stored on-site. Surveillance footage and online postings suggest he parked in the rear of the building to remain unnoticed, ingested drugs and then detonated an explosive device — killing himself in the process. The FBI has classified the bombing as an act of domestic terrorism, citing the ideological motivation behind the violence. Officials have said that it is the first high-profile case linked to the pro-mortalist ideology and are now monitoring it as a potential emerging threat. Authorities have urged families and communities to remain vigilant for signs of ideological extremism, especially among those who may feel disenfranchised. In May, a former Michigan Army National Guard member, Ammar Abdulmajid-Mohamed Said, 19, was arrested for allegedly planning a mass shooting near the U.S. Army's Tank-Automotive & Armaments Command (TACOM) center at the Detroit Arsenal in Warren, Michigan. Said planned to carry out the attack on behalf of ISIS. Said allegedly "launched his drone in support of the attack plan" and told an undercover FBI agent in the lead-up to the foiled plot he recommended that "everyone have about seven magazines because you don't want to be in there and run out of ammo," according to officials. Said is now facing charges of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization and distributing information related to a destructive device. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years per count if convicted. The FBI disrupted the attempted attack, with FBI Director Kash Patel telling Fox News Digital that any individual targeting the U.S. military or conspiring with foreign terrorist organizations will be "prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law." "Let this be a warning: Anyone who targets our military or conspires with foreign terrorist organizations will be found, stopped and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," Patel told Fox News Digital. "I commend the men and women of the Joint Terrorism Task Force and our law enforcement partners for their continued dedication to protecting the American people." Since January, there have been a number of instances of vandalism, arson and targeted shootings against Tesla vehicles, dealerships, and charging stations across the nation. Tesla vehicles and dealerships have been targeted nationwide amid Elon Musk's involvement with the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has been focused on slashing wasteful spending and fraud within the federal government. Musk is the co-founder and CEO of Tesla. The FBI launched a task force to crack down on violent Tesla attacks. The FBI's task force was created in conjunction with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) and will coordinate investigative activity. A threat tag has been created at the FBI to streamline reports and a command post at FBI headquarters has been created. It consists of a joint FBI/ATF task force to mitigate that threat stream. The FBI is treating the attacks as "domestic terrorism." Attorney General Pam Bondi called the attacks on Tesla "domestic terrorism," and the Department of Justice announced charges against suspects in Tesla arson cases. Musk spoke out against the "deranged" attacks, suggesting that "there's some kind of mental illness thing going on here, because this doesn't make any sense." The billionaire even alluded to "larger forces" potentially behind the attacks that have sprung up across the nation.
