COLORADO SPRINGS: The family of Mohamed Sabry Soliman, the Egyptian national accused of carrying out a firebomb attack at a pro-Israel rally in Boulder, Colorado, has been taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and may face swift deportation, federal officials confirmed Tuesday.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem shared the development in a video posted to social media, stating that while Soliman will face prosecution for the violent attack, authorities are also probing whether any of his family members had prior knowledge or involvement in the incident.

Soliman, 45, who had been living in Colorado Springs, allegedly hurled Molotov cocktails into a crowd participating in a pro-Israel event organized by “Run for Their Lives,” a group advocating for the release of hostages taken during the 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel. The bombing injured at least 12 people, including elderly attendees.

The suspect reportedly told investigators he carried out the attack alone and had postponed it until after his daughter graduated high school. According to court filings, Soliman expressed a desire to “kill all Zionist people” and admitted to learning how to make the incendiary devices using YouTube tutorials.

While the investigation continues, the White House stated that Soliman’s family is being processed for expedited removal and could be deported “as early as tonight.” Reports indicate the family includes Soliman’s wife, two teenagers, and three younger children. Authorities noted that the family has been cooperative with investigators.

Federal documents show that Soliman entered the U.S. in August 2022 on a tourist visa, applied for asylum a month later, and remained in the country after his visa expired in early 2023. His work authorization was also no longer valid.

Law enforcement officials said Soliman had been living in Colorado for about three years after previously residing in Kuwait for 17 years. He had no prior criminal record and had not drawn the attention of law enforcement before the incident.

According to affidavits filed by local and federal authorities, Soliman initially sought to acquire firearms by undergoing concealed carry training but was denied due to his immigration status. He ultimately decided to use Molotov cocktails as his weapon of choice.

Witnesses at the scene of Sunday’s attack reported seeing Soliman ignite and throw two firebombs into the crowd while shouting “Free Palestine.” The violent outburst is being treated as a hate crime and follows a concerning rise in antisemitic attacks in the U.S. amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The incident echoes a broader wave of politically motivated violence, including the recent fatal shooting of two Israeli embassy staffers near a Jewish museum in Washington, D.C.

Soliman is currently facing multiple charges, including attempted murder, assault, and a federal hate crime. Authorities have reaffirmed that while he is believed to have acted alone, the investigation remains active, and further developments are expected.