The FBI is investigating a violent incident involving a suspect accused of a targeted attack against supporters of Israeli hostages in Boulder, Colorado. Reports indicate that the suspect, Mohamed Sabri Soliman, is an Egyptian national who entered the U.S. illegally after his visa expired.
Soliman, 45, originally arrived in the United States on August 27, 2022, through Los Angeles International Airport. Authorities from Homeland Security and Immigration Customs Enforcement have confirmed this detail. He was living in the U.S. without legal status since his visa expired on March 25, 2023.
Details about the incident reveal that the attack injured six people during a peaceful demonstration aimed at supporting the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. Allegedly, Soliman had previously obtained a non-immigrant visa, which allowed him to stay in the country until February 26, 2023, but he applied for work permits shortly after, which complicated his immigration status.
It’s concerning to see someone accused of such severe actions after being allowed to stay in the country. Local officials have called this attack a “terrorist act,” raising serious questions about immigration policies.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Soliman attempted to enter the U.S. He had been denied a visa back in 2005, though it remains unclear if he tried again before being granted entry in 2022.
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has indicated that her department is collaborating with the FBI to thoroughly investigate the attack. Soliman has also been linked to another incident where elderly individuals participating in a support march were harmed. Reports suggest that he was waiting at one of the planned stops during the event.
Visual evidence reveals Soliman without a shirt, allegedly preparing two liquids that may have been used in making Molotov cocktails. He reportedly employed a makeshift flamethrower in the attack, resulting in injuries to eight people, primarily elderly men and women between the ages of 52 and 88, with at least one in critical condition as of the latest reports.
Interestingly enough, Soliman did sustain injuries himself and was treated at a local hospital following the confrontation.
Mark Mikalek, a special agent with the FBI in Denver, expressed during a press conference that these actions appear to be targeted violence, reinforcing that they’re treating this as a terrorist act.
Officials are continuing to gather information about the incident as investigations proceed.
