FBI Responds to Criticism Over Terrorism Classification in Boulder Attack

FBI Takes a Firm Stance on Boulder Attack Classification

An official from the Federal Bureau of Investigation has delivered a strong rebuttal to commentator Juliette Kayyem, a senior national security analyst at CNN, in response to her criticism of the agency’s quick classification of the Boulder attack as an act of terrorism.

Ben Williamson, the FBI’s Assistant Director for Public Affairs, articulated the bureau’s position forcefully. He stated, “The individual shouted ‘Free Palestine’ while throwing firebombs at a crowd composed of Jewish individuals. We appropriately referred to this investigation as one of terrorism and will continue to do so. We are not concerned with the opinions of these CNN guests. They can kick rocks,” on social media platform X.

This reaction comes after Kayyem expressed her concerns on CNN regarding the FBI’s classification of the firebombing incident, which occurred during a rally advocating for the release of Israeli hostages. She indicated that the decision to label the attack as terrorism was premature and gave the FBI an appearance of being inexperienced.

Analyst Questions Law Enforcement’s Strategy

Kayyem characterized FBI Director Kash Patel’s decision as making the bureau seem “juvenile.” She questioned the wisdom of the FBI acting ahead of local law enforcement, particularly Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn, who at a press conference stated that a motive for the attack was still undetermined.

During that briefing, Redfearn emphasized that the police were not ready to call the incident a terrorism case. He expressed caution and indicated the investigation was still in its early stages.

Investigative Details Surrounding the Suspect

The individual arrested, identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, is a 45-year-old Egyptian national who overstayed his travel visa before being granted a work visa that expired in March, according to Homeland Security officials. Soliman was taken into custody following the incident, in which he is accused of using a makeshift flamethrower and Molotov cocktails to attack peaceful protesters participating in a “Run for Their Lives” event aimed at raising awareness about hostages held by Hamas.

Reports from a police affidavit suggest that Soliman planned the attack for nearly a year, waiting until after his daughter’s high school graduation to execute his violent scheme.

Eyewitness Accounts and Attack Motivations

Video evidence shows Soliman shouting anti-Israel slogans while committing the violent act, resulting in injuries to 12 individuals. After his arrest, he allegedly expressed a desire to kill “all Zionist people.”

In response to the attack, Patel specified on X that the FBI is aware of the targeted nature of the incident, confirming, “We are fully investigating a targeted terror attack in Boulder, Colorado. Our agents and local law enforcement are already on the scene, and we will disseminate updates as more information surfaces.”

Ideologically Motivated Violence Investigated

Dan Bongino, the FBI’s Deputy Director, stated that evidence suggests the attack is currently being investigated as an incident of ideologically motivated violence based on preliminary information and witness testimonies.

Kayyem, who is also an academic at Harvard and has previously served in the Obama administration, minimized the expertise of Patel and Bongino in law enforcement. She insisted that such attacks should only be categorized as hate crimes after a thorough investigation takes place and warned against following the FBI’s tweets on this matter.

Public Reaction to CNN Analyst’s Comments

Kayyem’s remarks ignited a flurry of condemnation on social media. Many commentators expressed concern over her dismissal of the FBI’s classification and highlighted the importance of the factual evidence presented to law enforcement regarding the incident.

Williamson addressed the legitimacy of the FBI’s investigative approach, noting that when evidence provided to the FBI includes ideologically motivated statements, video content, multiple witness accounts, and incendiary devices, the agency will treat such incidents as targeted acts of terror.

“Everyone is innocent until proven guilty in our justice system. However, we are the Federal Bureau of Investigation, not the Federal Bureau of Word Games,” Bongino asserted on Monday.

All Eyes on Ongoing Investigation

The FBI’s classification of the Boulder attack as terrorism raises critical questions about law enforcement’s response capabilities in the face of ideologically driven violence. As the investigation unfolds, it remains essential for law enforcement agencies and public analysts to collaborate rigorously to ensure that any potential motives and outcomes of violent acts are accurately assessed.

This incident serves as a challenging moment for the FBI and local law enforcement alike, highlighting the need for transparency and clear communication as they navigate the complexities of violent extremism and public safety. The narrative surrounding this event will continue to evolve, particularly as community responses and national dialogues develop in tandem with ongoing investigative efforts.