FBI officials reacted strongly to comments made by CNN national security analyst Juliette Kayyem regarding a firebombing incident in Colorado that targeted an anti-Israel protest, which Kayyem labeled a terrorist act.
In response, Assistant Director Ben Williamson stated that the man shouted “Free Palestine” while tossing firebombs at attendees, emphasizing that their investigations were accurately described and expressing concern over the comments from CNN guests. Williamson’s remarks were shared by Dan Bongino, the FBI’s deputy director.
Kayyem criticized FBI director Kash Patel for labeling the incident as a “terrorist attack,” claiming that the FBI’s response was immature. During a press conference after the incident, Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfern noted they had not classified the attack as terrorism at that time, as it was early in the investigation phase.
The suspect, identified as 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, is an Egyptian citizen whose work visa had expired in March. Authorities revealed that Soliman was arrested for allegedly using a makeshift flamethrower and a Molotov cocktail to ignite the attack, which had been planned for about a year. He reportedly intended to wait until his daughter graduated high school before executing his plan.
During the incident, which left 12 individuals injured, Soliman was recorded shouting anti-Israel sentiments. He reportedly expressed a desire to harm “all the Zionist people.” Patel later acknowledged the attack on social media, confirming a full investigation into this targeted act of violence.
Bongino characterized the incident as ideologically driven, noting it was being examined thoroughly based on available evidence and witness statements. Kayyem, a former Homeland Security official, described Patel and Bongino as lacking extensive law enforcement experience and suggested they would likely label the incident as a hate crime post-investigation. She advised caution against relying solely on FBI communications.
Responses to the comments from CNN analysts sparked significant backlash online. Bongino pointed out that evidence collected from the crime scene included statements reflecting ideological motivations, videos, witness testimonies, and incendiary devices, which warranted treating the case as a terrorist attack.
