BOULDER, Colo. (Diya TV) — A 45-year-old Egyptian national accused of carrying out a targeted attack on a group of elderly Jewish community members in Boulder is now facing terrorism-related charges as federal and local authorities continue to investigate what officials have described as a “heinous act of terror.”
The suspect, identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, allegedly launched a makeshift flamethrower at a gathering near a Jewish community center on Sunday, shouting “Free Palestine” during the assault. According to FBI Denver Special Agent-in-Charge Mark Michalek, six people, ranging in age from 67 to 88, were injured. One victim sustained life-threatening injuries, while others were taken to Boulder Community Hospital and two were airlifted to facilities in the Denver metro area.
Soliman is believed to have acted alone, and no ties to any organized extremist groups have yet been established, according to Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty. Charges are expected to be filed in the coming days.
The FBI, along with local law enforcement and federal partners, responded to the scene around 3:30 p.m. Sunday. Authorities are treating the incident as a terrorist attack, according to FBI officials, including Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) also confirmed the National Counterterrorism Center is involved in the investigation, citing the nature of the violence and its potential ties to anti-Semitic motives.
According to reporting by Fox News’ Bill Melugin, Soliman entered the United States on August 27, 2022, through Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) using a B1/B2 nonimmigrant visa, which allowed him to remain in the country legally until February 26, 2023. However, he reportedly overstayed his visa, remaining in the U.S. unlawfully.
Melugin, citing three senior Department of Homeland Security (DHS) sources, also reported that Soliman filed a claim with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on September 29, 2022, possibly an asylum request. On March 29, 2023, USCIS granted him work authorization, valid until March 28, 2025, despite his visa overstay.
CNN confirmed the suspect’s immigration status and noted that Soliman had previously been denied a U.S. visa in 2005. Federal criminal charges could be forthcoming, and immigration violations are expected to feature prominently in any legal proceedings.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis called the incident a “hate-filled act of terror”, expressing his concern and pledging cooperation with local and federal agencies. “My thoughts go out to the people who have been injured and impacted by this heinous act of terror,” he wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “Hate-filled acts of any kind are unacceptable.”
The attack occurred during a weekly gathering of Jewish community members, many of whom had assembled to raise awareness about hostages taken during the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, according to Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who also acknowledged the federal government’s involvement in the ongoing investigation.
As officials work to determine the full scope of the incident and any possible ideological or organizational ties, the Jewish community in Boulder and beyond is reeling from what is being described as an unprovoked, targeted attack on civilians.
Anyone with additional information related to the case is encouraged to contact the FBI Denver Field Office or Boulder Police Department.
