Disturbing Act of Violence in Boulder, Colorado
On Sunday afternoon, Boulder, Colorado, witnessed a shocking incident of violence. Mohamed Sabry Soliman, a 45-year-old Egyptian national, allegedly attacked a pro-Israel group during a weekly event held by “Run for Their Lives” on Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall. Soliman, who had overstayed his tourist visa, reportedly threw lit Molotov cocktails into the crowd, injuring eight individuals aged 52 to 88, including a Holocaust survivor.
Federal authorities have labeled this a “targeted act of violence” and an act of terrorism. Court documents suggest Soliman planned the attack for over a year, studying how to construct Molotov cocktails and preparing additional devices found nearby.
Law enforcement swiftly arrested Soliman at the scene, charging him with multiple felonies, including:
- Attempted murder
- Federal hate crime
He remains in Boulder County Jail under a $10 million bond. Soliman reportedly told investigators his actions were motivated by animosity towards Zionists.
Reactions have come from various quarters, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Donald Trump. Local authorities have increased security measures in Boulder as investigations continue.
The community’s resilience is evident in the wake of this event. Despite the fear caused by such violence, there is a collective determination to stand against hatred and support those affected, demonstrating a resolve to ensure safety and justice.
Immigration Status Scrutiny and Policy Implications
Soliman’s immigration status has become a focal point of scrutiny, highlighting complexities in the U.S. immigration system. Having entered the country on a tourist visa in August 2022, Soliman was supposed to leave by February 2023. Despite overstaying his visa, he was granted a work permit in March 2023 by the Biden administration, raising questions about immigration enforcement policies.
This procedural oversight has drawn criticism from policymakers and immigration experts. Stephen Miller, White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy, emphasized the connection between immigration security and national security. Assistant Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Tricia McLaughlin, acknowledged the work permit as a significant administrative error.
The Department of Homeland Security and ICE have provided limited information on Soliman’s asylum claim. However, the grant of work authorization despite a known visa overstay suggests potential gaps in inter-agency communication and immigration oversight systems.
"Immigration security is national security. No more hostile migration. Keep them out and send them back." – Stephen Miller
This case brings to light the delicate balance between human rights and national security responsibilities. As more details emerge, attention remains on those responsible for ensuring the integrity of America’s borders and the effectiveness of current immigration protocols.
Key Questions:
- How might this incident influence future immigration policy discussions?
- What steps could be taken to improve communication between agencies responsible for immigration oversight?
Federal and Local Response to the Attack
In response to this ideologically motivated attack, federal and local law enforcement agencies have launched a comprehensive investigation. The FBI, led by Director Kash Patel, has classified the incident as an act of terrorism driven by hate. Patel has committed to utilizing all available resources to investigate thoroughly and prevent future occurrences.
Mohamed Sabry Soliman faces severe charges at both state and federal levels, including attempted murder and hate crimes. These charges reflect the gravity of his actions and their antisemitic intent.
Law enforcement in Boulder, supported by federal agencies, is working diligently to:
- Gather evidence
- Analyze digital footprints
- Probe any possible connections Soliman may have had to broader networks
This investigation is set against the backdrop of rising antisemitic violence both domestically and internationally, highlighting the intersection of global conflicts and domestic safety.
Local officials have expressed their commitment to uncovering the specifics of this event and reinforcing community support mechanisms. As the investigation progresses, details of Soliman’s background and asylum claim are being scrutinized to identify any overlooked warning signs or systemic failures.
Public statements from officials emphasize transparency and accountability, focusing on both retribution and understanding patterns of violence to preemptively address threats. The timing of the incident, just before the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, adds poignancy to the Jewish community’s call for enhanced vigilance against hate-driven terrorism.
This episode serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against ideologically driven violence and the shared responsibility to protect vulnerable communities.
Critical Considerations:
- How can society balance the need for security with the preservation of civil liberties?
- What role can education and community outreach play in preventing such acts of hate?
- Boulder Police Department. Booking photo of Mohamed Sabry Soliman. June 2, 2025.
- Miller S. Statement on X (formerly Twitter). June 2, 2025.
- McLaughlin T. Department of Homeland Security statement. June 2, 2025.
- Michalek M. FBI press conference on Boulder attack. June 2, 2025.
- Wilhelm I. Interview with CBS News. June 2, 2025.
- Danon D. Statement on Boulder attack. June 2, 2025.
- Cooper A. Simon Wiesenthal Center press release. June 2, 2025.
- Weiser P, Polis J. Joint statement on Boulder attack. June 2, 2025.
- Bongino D. FBI statement on X (formerly Twitter). June 2, 2025.
- Victor E. Interview with CBS News. June 2, 2025.