Illegal immigrant charged with attempted murder in Boulder attack had ‘USAID’ papers
Law enforcement officials in Boulder, Colorado, are investigating a disturbing incident that occurred on Sunday, involving Mohamed Sabry Soliman allegedly throwing explosives at a group of peaceful protesters. The protesters, part of the pro-Israel group “Run for Their Lives,” were gathered on Pearl Street to advocate for the release of hostages held by Hamas.
The Boulder police reported that eight individuals were injured in the attack, which initially led to reports of a man setting people on fire. Upon searching Soliman’s 2015 silver Toyota Prius, authorities discovered paperwork with the word “USAID” along with documents referencing “Israel” and “Palestine.” Additionally, a red gas container and rags were found in the vehicle.
Although some speculated that Soliman may have been affiliated with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), a senior State Department official clarified that he was not an employee of the organization. During an interview with law enforcement, Soliman allegedly admitted to targeting the pro-Israel group, referring to them as a “Zionist group” and expressing his desire to prevent them from claiming “our land,” which he identified as “Palestine.”
According to the arrest affidavit, Soliman had been planning the attack for a year and chose to carry it out on the day of his daughter’s graduation. He left behind messages for his family, a journal, and an iPhone at his residence in Colorado Springs. Additionally, a black plastic container containing 14 unlit Molotov cocktails was discovered near the location of his arrest.
Soliman has been charged with multiple offenses, including murder in the first degree, crimes against at-risk adults/elderly, assault, and use of explosives. He remains in custody on a $10 million bond, with reports indicating that he was in the U.S. illegally as an Egyptian national. Despite his expired visa, Soliman was granted authorization to work through a claim filed with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.
FBI Director Kash Patel labeled the incident as a targeted terror attack and assured that the authorities are fully investigating the matter. The FBI, along with local law enforcement, is actively working on the case to gather more information and provide updates as they become available.
As the investigation unfolds, the community in Boulder and beyond is left reeling from the shocking events that transpired on what was meant to be a peaceful day of protest. The repercussions of this act of violence will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on all those involved and serve as a stark reminder of the importance of promoting understanding and unity in times of conflict.
