Boulder, Colorado – In the wake of recent terrorist incidents, the chair of Boulder County’s GOP has expressed concerns regarding local and state policies that, in her view, unlawfully protect certain individuals in the U.S., essentially trading laws for tolerance.
A 45-year-old Egyptian national, Mohamed Sabri Soliman, was taken into custody on Sunday for allegedly throwing a Molotov cocktail at a peaceful pro-Israel protester near the Boulder County Courthouse, while shouting “free Palestine.” This act resulted in injuries to eight people from burns, with a total of 12 individuals harmed during the attack.
Witness reports describe the scene as chaotic and frightening. Boulder County Republican Chair Peg Cage remarked, “It’s remarkable how anti-Semitism grabs headlines, particularly in Boulder.” She noted that Soliman’s actions were serious and acknowledged his guilt. His immigration status revealed that he had overstayed a non-immigrant visa that was granted during the Biden administration.
The attack coincided with an event focused on supporting Israeli hostages held since the conflict started on October 7, 2023. Following the incident, Soliman reportedly stated he would “do it again.” Documents have surfaced suggesting he had been planning this attack for about a year.
Immigration authorities confirmed that Soliman had originally entered via Los Angeles International Airport in August 2023 but failed to depart as ordered. His work eligibility was granted until March of this year. Cage expressed disbelief over the circumstances, emphasizing that he had nothing to lose at that point, noting that he waited until his daughter graduated before committing this act of violence.
Critics of local immigration policies, including Cage, pointed to potential oversights by officials who, in attempting to be accommodating, have perhaps ignored fundamental immigration laws. “If he weren’t in Boulder, someone likely would have shot him,” she declared, suggesting that crime involving undocumented individuals is increasingly at the forefront of public concern.
Authorities have indicated that Soliman faces serious charges, including attempted first-degree murder and the use of explosives in the commission of a felony. As the investigation unfolds, the responses from Boulder County Commissioners and law enforcement remain awaited, as they have not yet commented on the ongoing situation.
