FBI, lawmakers raised border security concerns prior to Boulder terrorist attack

Lawmakers and intelligence experts have been on high alert about potential terrorism threats stemming from individuals in the U.S. illegally for quite some time. The recent terrorist attack in Boulder, Colorado, which left eight people injured, has once again brought attention to the issue. It was reported that the suspect in the attack entered the U.S. under the Biden administration and had overstayed his visa.

The concerns about terrorism risks due to lax border security have been raised by various officials in the past. Back in August 2024, then-House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Chair Mike Turner and House Homeland Security Committee Chair Mark Green expressed worries after a report revealed that the Biden administration had released nearly 100 illegal immigrants into the U.S.

Former FBI Director Christopher Wray had also warned about the potential threat of foreign terrorists entering the U.S. and carrying out attacks against American citizens. He highlighted the challenges faced by law enforcement in identifying dangerous individuals, especially when false documents are used by those crossing the border.

While some Democrats have argued that U.S. citizens are primarily responsible for terrorist activities in the country, the recent attack in Boulder, Colorado, carried out by Mohamed Sabry Soliman, underscores the ongoing concerns about terrorism threats from individuals in the U.S. illegally. Soliman, who was in the country illegally after his visa expired, used a makeshift flamethrower during the attack and shouted “Free Palestine.”

The FBI is currently investigating the incident as an act of terror and targeted violence. The Trump administration has criticized the Biden administration for its immigration policies that allowed Soliman to enter the U.S. and remain in the country illegally.

House Homeland Security Committee Chair Mark Green described the attack as a “wake-up call” regarding the growing terror threats that pose a risk to safety in the U.S. He has requested a briefing from the Department of Homeland Security for committee members to address the issue.

In conclusion, the recent terrorist attack in Boulder, Colorado, serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing risks associated with individuals in the U.S. illegally. It highlights the importance of robust border security measures and the need for vigilance in combating terrorism threats within the country.