Egyptian extremist Mohamed Sabry Soliman, who pledged allegiance to jihad before allegedly firebombing pro-Israel demonstrators, now faces deportation proceedings for his entire family as authorities investigate their potential involvement in his year-long plot.
At a Glance
- Mohamed Sabry Soliman, a 45-year-old Egyptian national, has been detained for allegedly firebombing pro-Israel demonstrators with Molotov cocktails
- Before the attack, Soliman recorded himself declaring that jihad was more important to him than his family and expressing extremist views
- The attack injured 15 people and one dog after what investigators believe was a year of planning
- Homeland Security has detained Soliman’s wife and five children, placing them in expedited deportation proceedings
- Authorities are investigating whether family members had knowledge of or supported the planned attack
Extremist Recorded His Jihadist Intentions Before Attack
Federal authorities have revealed disturbing details about Mohamed Sabry Soliman, the 45-year-old Egyptian national accused of carrying out a firebomb attack on pro-Israel demonstrators. According to investigators, Soliman recorded himself before the attack, making explicit statements about his extremist beliefs. In the video, Soliman declared his devotion to jihad above his family and expressed hatred toward America and Israel. The recording provides compelling evidence of the ideological motivation behind the violent assault that left multiple people injured.
Soliman’s statements show a calculated and deliberate approach to terror, with investigators now confirming he had been planning the attack for approximately a year. The pre-recorded message serves as a chilling manifesto for his actions, clearly establishing his intent and revealing the depth of his extremist convictions. This evidence has been central to prosecutors’ decision to pursue hate crime charges in addition to the assault and attempted murder charges Soliman already faces.
Family Facing Deportation as Investigation Expands
In a significant development, the Department of Homeland Security has detained Soliman’s wife and five children, placing them in expedited deportation proceedings. Federal agents are now investigating the extent to which family members may have had prior knowledge of Soliman’s attack plans or potentially supported his extremist activities. This move represents a broader approach to national security concerns stemming from the attack, with authorities working to determine if the threat extends beyond Soliman himself.
“‘Allah, his messenger, and jihad for Allah’s sake are more beloved to me than you and the whole world are,” said Mohamed Sabry Soliman.
The detention of Soliman’s entire family signals the seriousness with which federal authorities are treating this case. Immigration officials have not released specific information about the family’s legal status in the United States, but the expedited deportation process suggests they may have been in the country illegally or under conditional visa status. The family’s potential return to Egypt comes as investigators continue to piece together the full timeline of Soliman’s radicalization and attack preparation.
Details of the Attack and Hate Crime Charges
According to prosecutors, Soliman used multiple Molotov cocktails in his assault on pro-Israel demonstrators, resulting in injuries to fifteen people and one dog. Witnesses reported that Soliman shouted extremist statements during the attack, further supporting the hate crime designation. The attack has drawn national attention as one of the most serious acts of domestic terrorism related to Middle East tensions in recent months, raising concerns about potential copycat incidents.
“Allah is greater than anything. Allah is greater than the Zionists. Allah is greater than America and its weapons. Allah is greater than the F-35 planes. Allah is greater than everything else,” he said, according to an English translation from MEMRI. “So why do we fear those who are inferior to Allah rather than fear Allah himself?”, added Soliman.
Federal authorities have classified the incident as terrorism, with the FBI joining local law enforcement in the investigation. The case has prompted increased security measures at Jewish community centers and pro-Israel events nationwide. Law enforcement officials are examining Soliman’s online activities, travel history, and communications to determine if he had connections to organized terrorist groups or if his attack was truly a lone-wolf operation after a year of independent planning and radicalization.
